Algonac Alive rolls out Snowman Decorating Contest

Public invited to purchase one to paint and decorate

By Barb Pert Templeton

King Frosty and his minions are rolling out.

That’s the tagline organizers posted about the first annual Snowman Decorating Contest hosted by the local non-profit group, Algonac Alive, and sponsored by Colony Insulation, located in Algonac.

The idea behind the contest is to not only raise some funds for the group but to get people interested and active downtown in the city this winter. All the money donated to purchase the snowmen will be used towards the development of the Algonac Activity Center.

All of the snowmen will be placed in the Algonac Waterfront Park, directly across from Algonac City Hall. The two creations that get the most votes will be awarded a custom-made, lighted “Snowman Decoration Contest” trophy.

During public comments at the city council’s Jan. 6 meeting resident Dwayne Hrynyk shared information about the contest. He said it’s being sponsored by Colony Insulation and hosted by the non-profit group Algonac Alive.

Colony has agreed to build the snowmen in their shop and so far, they’ve made one big snowman and 20 smaller ones. Hrynyk said all but three have been purchased and a half dozen were purchased by local businesses to use for advertising.

“If there’s enough interest, he’ll build five more or ten more,” Hrynyk said. “And if it doesn’t rain all day tomorrow you can turn around (speaking to council members seated at the council table) and look out that window and you’re going to see a big snowman in a field of small snowmen.”

“And the people that have finished them so far have shown just unbelievable creativity, it’s pretty cool,” Hrynyk added.

The contest has been heavily promoted on social media and Hrynyk said it’s been very well received.

“It’s gotten nothing but positive comments from people participating and people not participating,” he said. “And the snowmen are $60 each.”

The plan is to have all the snowmen paid for, picked up, painted and decorated by February 1. They will then sit in the park throughout the month of February and each will be assigned a number so the public can vote on their favorites. Hrynyk said organizers are hoping to have a voting spot created on the city’s government page and the top two vote getters will get a custom-made lighted trophy.

“This is an Algonac Alive event and it should raise about $1,000 for Algonac Alive and that money will go towards the Community (Activity) Center,” Hrynyk said. “We have at least three left and if the demand is there Danny will build more.”

“So, we should have a little snowmen city out there and that should maybe get people out there walking and talking and at least slowing down when they drive by to take a look,” he added.

Councilwoman Wendy Meldrum asked if they come in a green color and Hrynyk said that’s the color of the foam used to make them.

City Manager Artie Bryson said people have been painting them white and he actually has one in his living room at home right now.

“I met it this morning getting ready to go to work,” Bryson added, prompting laughter around the council chambers.

Hrynyk encouraged people to read all about the contest on the Algonac Alive Facebook page and send the organizers a message if people have questions or want to buy a snowman.

“We’ll actually deliver them for you, for some people they won’t fit in their cars so we’ll drop them off for you,” Hrynyk said.

He added that the $60 charge is basically the cost of the materials. It’s a trio of beach balls – two 24-inch beach balls and a 12-inch beach ball with foam sprayed over the top. Colony Insulation is spending about $60 to make each snowman. Hrynyk noted that they got about a $1,400 donation for the project.

“When the contest is done, they’re yours, you keep them and do what you want with them,” he said. “It’s fun and people are talking about it so that’s a good thing.”

“Thank-you so much, it’s a great idea,” Mayor Rocky Gillis said.

To find out more visit the Algonac Alive page on Facebook.