Do you need a background in musical theatre to play a walking talking billboard dressed as a maple leaf? "Leafy" says "No, but it certainly helps."

"Leafy" first took the job at Liberty Tax Service six years ago out of desperation; he's back this year calling the twelve-week gig "a job of convenience" as he eases into early retirement from heavy work at RBW.

This is how competition rolls in a smaller community. Liberty is one of several businesses on 2nd Avenue East that do tax preparation and Leafy is part of Liberty's "edge". When they open at 8:30 in the morning, it is Leafy who tells people "Come on in! We're already open!"

"There are two of my biggest fans," says Leafy – waving down the street at two kids no more than five. Kids love Leafy, according to moms whose children look forward to his appearance each spring. It appears that adults do too. "Dude has always hit me with a high five and a big hello no matter who I am walking with," says one fan on Facebook.

But it seems someone is not so keen on Leafy.

Today a police car pulled up in front of Leafy who jokingly warned the driver that he might get a ticket for parking in a loading zone. The police officer - "the nicest guy" according to Leafy – had come in answer to a complaint that Leafy was "accosting people". The police officer did his duty, taking Leafy's real name and address (we will not be revealing his secret identity because it is more fun that way), but he could not keep the chuckle out of his voice as he gave a warning to a giant fuzzy maple leaf.

People have already started a campaign to Stand with Leafy - #stopLeafyhating , #picswithLeafy and #realtorsforleafy. Feel free to join in the fun, and remember to wave at Leafy in the 700 block of 2nd Avenue East. And yes, he's always up for a selfie.

UPDATE: Apparently a former "Leafy" was reported, and removed from duty , for inappropriate behaviour. #notthesameleafy



