Snow sculpture challenge returns to Glenelm

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This article was published 03/01/2023 (1293 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dig out your shovels and snow saws, the sixth annual Glenelm Snow Sculpture Challenge is just around the corner.

“Our goal is to get people outside, bumping into neighbours, making those neighbourhood connections,” said Michel Durand-Wood, chair of the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association, which organizes the event. “This is a good, fun way to get people outside.”

Glenelm residents are encouraged to collect or pile snow in their front yards, then make a snow sculpture on or before Sat., Jan. 28. All entrants will be added to an online map and included in a draw for prizes, which come from nearby Elmwood businesses.

“There’s a reason we call it a ‘challenge’ and not a ‘competition’,” Durand-Wood said. “Anyone who wants to try it should, to see how much fun it is.”

The first annual snow sculpture challenge had 12 official entrants. Last year’s event had over 50. Durand-Wood is hopeful that 2023 will surpass that number.

“It’s not about skill level, it’s about getting out there, connecting with neighbours, and having fun,” he said.

MaryAnn Kokan-Nyhof, a longtime Glenwood Crescent resident who has been building snow sculptures in her yard for years, welcomes the challenge every year.

“It’s great,” she said. “You get to drive or walk around and look at everyone else’s sculpture.”

Glenelm residents and visitors will have noticed all manner of snow cars, reptiles, and more in Kokan-Nyhof’s yard over the years.

“I love the snow and I love playing in it, so it just comes naturally,” she said. “I’ve done so many. I just pile up the snow, wait for inspiration to hit me.”

Adrian Enns and his family have been taking part in the snow sculpture challenge since Day 1, as well. Over the years, they’ve built big, “playable” sculptures including a Loch Ness monster, a train, and interactive beach scene.

“We’re still a young family, our oldest is 12, so we’re outside anyway, and want to be outside more,” said the father of four. “We build forts and slides and a backyard rink. The snow sculpture challenge fits right in there.”

The Enns family enjoy getting outside together, but also what the challenge brings to the neighbourhood.

“It’s been wonderful to see the neighbourhood continue to say ‘yes’ to it,” Enns said. “It brings a lot of joy to people. You can walk the neighbourhood and enjoy it. It really adds a spark to the neighbourhood for the hard winter.”

Enns encouraged folks who wish to take part to start building their forms and load them with snow early.

The longer it has to pack the better it is,” he said. “Make the form, get a look at it, and you’ll be surprised how simple it is. Just have fun.”

This year, the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association is hosting a free snow sculpting workshop with André Vrignon-Tessieron from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 15 at Elmwood (Roxy) Park. Vrignon-Tessieron and his family have been building snow sculptures for Festival du Voyageur for years.

“That way, people who are new, or maybe a bit intimidated, or maybe have been doing it for a while but want some master tips (can learn),” Durand-Wood said. “Two weeks later, hopefully, people will use those skills.”

For more information, visit glenelm.ca/snow