Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 23, 2024 – For the past couple of Octobers, Chris Hughes has been the chauffeur for Charlie Big Bones, a larger-than-life skeleton who rides around in Hughes’ orange Jeep.
After buying the skeleton at Walmart on sale one year, his daughter Jayden had a suggestion. “Wouldn’t it be funny if we could figure out how to put him in the Jeep?’ she asked.
Originally the plan was for Charlie’s legs to be on the running boards, but they couldn’t get that to work. So, it’s just Charlie from the waist up.
Hughes added that he couldn’t remember how Charlie got his name.
“I can’t remember how we came up with the name,” he said. “I don’t remember if it’s innocent or suggestive…”
Charlie has become a popular fall fixture on the streets of Jonesboro. This is the second year people have texted him asking about Charlie. He makes his first appearance on Oct. 1, weather permitting. Nov. 1 he goes back into the basement until next year.
“I did it initially because it made me laugh. It’s so stupid. And then, as I drive around town, I notice that it brought so much joy to other people…people pull up next to me and honk…kids yell…everywhere I go, people ask ‘Can I get a picture of that?'”
“That’s the reason I keep doing it. I did it initially to make me laugh. I keep doing it because it makes other people smile.”