Cheeky sign war sparks 'salty' battle between Ontario businesses

The feud beganwhen Trevor Cork,owner of Speedy Auto Glass in Listowel, Ont., north of London,posed the friendly question, "Hey DQ, wanna have a sign war?"

The Dairy Queen next door accepted the challenge, with a zingersuggested by a customer.

Speedy Auto Glass raised the bar.

Dairy Queen fired back:"My understanding of a sign war is: they chirp and we chirp back," said Amy Hamilton, the local Dairy Queen owner.

Businesses across the town jumped in,as well as the local fire department.

DQ had no chill.

Speedy Glass continued to chirp toDairy Queen. "Speedy gets up really early to change their sign," said Hamilton.

The local Legion Branch #259 would not be left behind.

A sporting-goods storegot in on the action.

A local auto dealership took a swipe at Speedy Auto Glass.

BMO stepped into the ring with a window sign.

The agricultural society claimed to be too busy, but still joined the battle.

This company egged on its competition in town, Cross Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.

As things heated up, a local law firm offered its services.

"It's a diversion from what's happening in the world," said Cork.

Hamilton said people are sending ideas for the signs, reaching out to let them know it's making them laugh, "at a time there isn't much to laugh about."

Even the local family health team weighed in.

And the child-care centre asserted its value in the town.

Both Hamilton and Cork have no plans to concede the battle.

"We have great fans with a million ideas still," said Hamilton.