After years of investing millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours, to preserve roadside landmarks, Hampton Hotels and its "Explore the Highway with Hampton, Save-A-Landmark®" program are helping to restore some of North America's oversized landmarks – dubbing 2007 the year of "World's Largest" landmarks.

Fortunately for consumers, not all of this year's landmarks have been chosen, so there's still time to submit one's favorite "World's Largest" landmark for its volunteer assistance and restoration donations.

"We are ready to paint, landscape, polish and do whatever is needed to help the ‘World's Largest' landmarks in need of a little tender loving care," said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton. "Save-A-Landmark wants to make 2007 a monumental year by refurbishing six landmarks – more than Hampton has dared to refurbish in a single year thus far – and we need the public's nominations to help reach our goal."

The public can visit the program's Web site, and click on "submit a landmark," to enter their "World's Largest" nominations – or even just to bring some much-deserved attention to any big landmark. Also, those looking to stand in the shadow of a larger-than-life landmark can access the Web site for a host of ideas. Following are just a sampling of "World's Largest" attractions already housed in the database:

• The Big Duck, Flanders, N.Y.: This 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide gift shop was built in 1931 to lure travelers to purchase Peking ducks. Known as the "world's largest duck," the Big Duck is not only a treasured Long Island landmark, but is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored by Hampton's Save-A-Landmark program in August 2000.
• World's Largest Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska: More than 48 feet tall and 33 feet wide, this gigantic statue stands next to the world famous Santa Claus House and was restored by Hampton's Save-A-Landmark program in December 2000.
• World's Tallest Fountain, Phoenix, Ariz.: Ironically, the tallest fountain in the world is found in the desert. Shooting eight tons of water as high as 625 feet in the air at a rate of 7,000 gallons a minute, this fountain is the signature element of a master-planned residential community called Fountain Hills.
• Giant Prospector, north of Carson City, Nev.: Kneeling next to a chocolate factory, the Giant Prospector makes for a one-of-a-kind, kitschy roadside photo op.
• World's Largest Sundial, Phoenix, Ariz.: This ancient time-telling instrument, located in Sundial Circle, measures 90 feet in diameter and has attracted visitors since 1959. A sunburst of colored glass hanging from the 35-foot-tall shadow-casting portion of the dial is the landmark's focal point.

From helping the 80-foot Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass., the Hampton Save-A-Landmark program is beginning its eighth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks across the U.S. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2 million. Banding its hotels together in communities across the U.S., Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the dollars to refurbish selected sites.

Landmark nominations have been a key element of the Save-A-Landmark program's success since its inception in 2000, with thousands of nominations provided by the public. Submissions can be made online by clicking the Save-A-Landmark icon at hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd., Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.