How Enderby came to have not one, but five George Clooneys

George Clooney and wing man Mark McMahon scout for single ladies at the Howard Johnson in Enderby.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

September 12, 2013 - 4:43 PM

CLOONEY HIMSELF WOULD DO A DOUBLE TAKE

VERNON - If Enderby can't have the real George Clooney, they can at least have some fun.

Cardboard cutouts of the celebrity—who is in town for the filming of Tomorrowland—are making their rounds in the small town. Debonair in a black tuxedo and standing just the right height, the cardboard Clooney prompts a double take. In his formal wear, he doesn't exactly blend in.

The artist behind the Clooney clones is Mark McMahon, who owns Empire Re: Productions in Enderby. Sitting in his backyard one evening, enjoying a rum and coke, McMahon was struck with a brilliant idea.

"I thought, I can make a George Clooney," McMahon says.

It was hard work finding a high resolution and copyright free image of Clooney, but eventually he found one, printed it on a giant piece of vinyl and trimmed around the edges so the star could blend in to his surroundings. McMahon, who has seen all of Clooney's movies, did his homework on the star.

"The height is bang on," he says.

The cutouts cost about $250 to make and involve a few hours of work to put together. But it's all worth it for McMahon.

"It's been a blast," he says. "The fun is in seeing peoples' expressions and the smiles on their faces. You can't go by and not grin."

McMahon isn't the only one getting in on the fun. Local businesses are donating gift certificates as part of a grand draw. To enter, you need only to find Clooney and enter your name. Of course, Clooney's a busy man, and he won't be in the same spot twice. 'Wanted' posters have sprung up around town boasting a reward for those who have seen him.

Around 80 businesses have donated over $2,000 worth of gifts, a lot of support coming from a small town of only 3,000 people. McMahon says it's reinvigorating business in Enderby, and giving the community something to get excited about.

"It's bringing the community together," he says. "I didn't think of it all sitting down, it just snowballed, everyone wanted to get in on it. The idea just grew and grew."

It's even got the attention of Tomorrowland's set workers, who hope Clooney will sign the Wanted posters.

There are now four Clooneys circulating around Enderby, two dressed in tuxedos, and two in an outfit he might wear for a hike up Enderby Cliffs. Alone in his studio, McMahon admits to being caught by surprise by his own creation staring back at him.

The prize draws will be done Sept. 28 at the ball diamond in Enderby, accompanied by a barbecue hosted by the Lions Club and Legion, business booths and a DJ. Food will start at noon, and the draw at 4 p.m. A lucky lad or lady will also get the chance to "take George Clooney home with them."

McMahon is extending a personal invitation to the main man himself, who is currently unattached in the romance department.

"I promise to have the best looking women of the Okanagan there, if he'll come," McMahon says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.