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Date: 2/9/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mixing creativity and fun with some friendly competition, the Kiwanis Club of West Springfield and Agawam, along with the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department, are sponsoring the 2022 West Side Snow Sculpture Contest.
Linda Parent, member of the Kiwanis Club, said they started this contest last year, amid the pandemic. At that time, the Kiwanis Club was not able to host its typical fundraising events or activities for children. Instead, they created an outdoor contest that could be completed from one’s own front yard, without having to gather in a group.
Participants are invited to get creative with the snow on their own lawn, with entries judged and winners to be announced in three age groups: 8 and under, 9-12, and 13 and above, which includes adults.
“It’s open to anyone,” said Parent.
Last year, the contest received 20 entries, including a cemetery with snow ghosts, a globe with an eagle on top, and the more traditional snow animals and snow forts.
The winner from the youngest age bracket was 8-year-old Teagan Bajor. Bajor told Reminder Publishing that her winning sculpture was a “Love Bug Snowman” — decorated with a heart headband and sunglasses, M&Ms, a scarf, carrot nose and stick arms.
Bajor completd the snowman in only one hour, with some help from her four sisters.
Following her success and overall fun, Bajor will be participating in the contest again. This year, she will be constructing a snow fort.
“It’s more fun to do it with a friend,” said Bajor.
Her advice to anyone participating in this year’s contest is: “Don’t overthink it. Just roll with it.”
Bajor, along with Parent, are hopeful for more snow this month, as the contest is entirely dependent on the weather.
“[I’m] hoping [we get] good snow for creative minds,” Parent said.
Through advertising and getting the word out last year, Parent said they are hopeful for more participation this year.
Parent went on to say that this is a great activity to get kids off their electronics and get outside for some fresh air and family fun.
Snow sculpture photos, names and contact information may be sent directly to parkandrec@tows.org. The photo should include the snow sculpture and its creator. Photos will be shared through social media unless otherwise requested by a parent. The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. on March 1. If there is no snow this month, the contest will be extended. Only one entry is allowed per household, as the goal is for this to be a family activity, Parent said.
Once all the entries are in, the sculptures from each age group will be judged.
This year’s judges are Mayor William Reichelt, Town Council President Edward Sullivan, and Kiwanis Club member Kathy Alevras, who is also a School Committee member.
Last year, winners received gift cards to Village Pizza. This year, winners will also be receiving gift cards, although the business has not yet been determined.
As this is Alevras’ first year as a judge, she predicts it will be difficult to assess the sculptures and choose a winner.
“It could be as simple as something catching your eye — uniqueness — or even a simple snowman,” she said. However, with the assistance of the other two judges, Alevras thinks they will be able to come to a consensus.
Alevras said she is most looking forward to seeing the hard work and effort put into these sculptures, along with the collaboration from family and friends.
This contest, along with all activities put on by the Kiwanis Club, is free of charge.
“It’s a kids organization,” Parent said. She added that the local club is part of the International Kiwanis Club organization, raising funds to support children worldwide, along with making donations to local programs such as Operation Santa and the Mayor’s Carnival.