KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – A longtime Keene resident has launched a campaign to promote the city of Keene far and wide.

Fred Parsells, a guest on today’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell show on WKBK, is proud of his “adopted” hometown where he’s lived here for 51 years and raised his family. He worked for many years in Keene as a police officer and he was also a city councilor.

Inspired by the anatomical placement of Keene at the heart of New England, Parsells approached NASCAR race car owner Bob Whitcomb of with an innovative idea in the 1990s. He proposed promoting Keene by featuring a decal of the city on Whitcomb’s race car. Whitcomb, whose car famously won the Daytona 500 in 1990, agreed to the idea on the condition that Parsells could provide a suitable decal. The idea went no further, however, as Whitcomb no longer owned the race car by the time the project was to be launched.

In September 2023, Parsells revitalized his effort with the help of his graphic artist friend, Gary Custer. Custer designed a distinctive decal that Parsells hopes residents will place on the back windows of their vehicles. The goal is to spark conversations about Keene as residents travel across the country, thereby promoting the city beyond its borders.

Parsells also had apparel, including shirts, created with the Keene logo. These items are sold by Joe Tolman at Bulldog Design to cover expenses, with decals priced at a nominal $5 each. Parsells’s hope is that these decals will be displayed on vehicles, prompting curiosity and conversations about Keene wherever they are seen.

Parsells has actively engaged with local leaders to garner support for his initiative. He met with Mayor Kahn, who expressed strong support for the idea, and Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry, who oversees the city’s marketing efforts. Parsells emphasized that this is not an official city logo but rather a grassroots effort by a passionate citizen to promote Keene.

Additionally, Parsells has collaborated with Hannah Grimes Marketplace and Ted’s Shoe and Sport and other local store owners to distribute and sell the decals. His aim is to see the logo in stores, reaching both local residents and tourists. Parsells believes that by promoting Keene as the heart of New England, the city can gain greater recognition and appreciation.

Parsells is optimistic about the potential impact of his initiative. With community support, he envisions Keene’s image spreading nationwide, fostering a greater sense of pride and curiosity about the city.

Listen to the full podcast here.

Keene, The Heart of New England decals and t-shirts are currently available at Bulldog Design, 147 Winchester St., Keene.