Fox Valley park district hosts snowman-building contest

With the snow machine in the sky on overdrive and cabin fever threatening an epidemic, the present may be the best time to get creative with coping skills.

The sculptors among us look out at the frozen expanse and see people, some with corncob pipes, rising from the powdery snowpack.

To encourage those artistic impulses, Fox Valley Park District is coming to the rescue with a snowman-building contest.

"This is a new idea to get the community involved," said Jeff Long, park district spokesman.

Teams who want to try their mitten-covered hands at fashioning their own versions of Frosty are welcome to compete in the family, business or school group categories, turning snowdrifts into snowmen - and snowwomen.

"It's gender equitable," Long said. "It can be a snowwoman. It can be a snow-thing. We're judging on originality and creativity."

Contest registrants will be given "snowman-in-a-bag" kits that include everything needed to build a snow creature, or at least enough accessories to spark the imagination. Registration is $10.

Snowmen can be built anywhere teams choose, Long said. When the snow people are complete, creators should take photographs that can depict the snowmen on their own or in the company of its builders.

"All you have to do is submit a photo or e-mail the photo," he said. Photos can be dropped off at the Eola Community Center, the Prisco Community Center or the Vaughan Athletic Center. Photos submitted by e-email should be sent to fvpd@fvpd.net.

Winners will receive gift certificates from local businesses. They'll also have their handiwork featured in the park district's glossy activity program guide, Long said.

More details can be found at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and at (630) 859-8606.

Contestants may submit their entries through Feb. 28. Given snow people's notorious tendency to disappear, cameras should be kept at the ready.

"I would take the pictures as soon as it's built," Long said.