Maine's snowy landscapes have long served as the backdrop for some extraordinary feats, none more notable than the awe-inspiring tall snow sculptures created by the community of Bethel. These remarkable structures, Angus and Olympia, not only captured hearts but also claimed their rightful place in the Guinness World Records as the tallest snowman and snowwoman, respectively. The spirit of these ice giants can be felt even today, with their records holding firm as winter evolves with climate change.
Built back in 1999, Angus, King of the Mountain, reached height of 113 feet and 7 inches, dethroning Japan’s tallest snowman record of 96 feet. This monumental creation was named after Maine’s then-governor, Angus King, and captured the imagination of the Bethel community, thanks to the efforts by the local Chamber of Commerce and kind-hearted volunteers. Compacted with the weight of 13 million pounds of snow, the construction of Angus involved cranes and dedicated teams who carefully molded and shaped the snow to form this festive champion.
Nine years later, the Bethel community was not content with simply holding the title — they aimed to outdo themselves. Hence, Olympia SnowWoman was born. Rising to 122 feet and 1 inch, she beat the previous record for the tallest snow sculpture by inches. Built near the Sunday River Ski Resort, Olympia took almost the entire month of February to complete, embodying the dedication and spirit of the town. Her creation involved opponents of the elements and spirits alike; extensive engineering through local talent ensured stability and safety.
The 125-foot diameter base features details such as woolly hats, chicken wire noses, and spruce tree arms, all lovingly crafted by volunteers. With accessories like tires serving as buttons and skis doubling as eyelashes, she stood as more than just snow — she personified community pride and creativity.
But the story doesn't end there. Over the years, various challengers have emerged, attempting to unseat Bethel's snowed royalty. A notable contender was Riesi from Donnersbachwald, Austria, which reportedly reached 124.8 feet. Yet, Guinness did not affirm this claim, keeping Bethel's crown intact. Here, the message is clear: determination backed by community spirit makes all the difference when it snows.
This sense of community and joy linked with snow isn't exclusive to Maine but radiates to events like the annual Otley Snowman Trail. This charming celebration started back in 2017, showcasing the town's creativity and festive spirit. With 128 shops participating this year and 1,200 trail booklets flying off the shelves, local businesses adorned their windows with artistic renditions of snowmen, captivating both residents and visitors.
Nigel Francis, one of the event organizers, expressed joy at how the community continues to excel every year. He noted, “Everyone who entered is a winner.” The event creates happy memories and enhances the Christmas spirit throughout Otley, generating funds for the charity Hang on to a Dream.
The Otley Snowman Trail allows people to traverse the heart of the town, visiting establishments adorned with snow creations, engaging families and creating lasting memories. The dazzling snowmen displayed this year included winners like The Mind Shop and Grade 1 Barbers. The trail continues to grow, echoing the sentiment of bringing people together against the snowy backdrop.
On the other side of the globe, China, too, showcases its masterpieces made of snow. The captivating Genting Heavenly Palace near Changbai Mountain is another remarkable accomplishment, built entirely from snow, covering about 15,000 square meters and utilizing approximately 80,000 cubic meters of snow. Harbin is famous for its winter tourism and ignites attention through its annual Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Expo. This event famously exhibits over 260 sculptures and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The 37th edition of the expo commenced its trial operation on December 23, promoting cultural elements tied to sports events and traditional symbols. The locals enthusiastically partake, ensuring the essence of winter shines through vibrant exhibitions. Harbin, known as the Ice City of China, transforms winter landscapes, capturing the beauty, art, and playfulness associated with this chilly season.
Snow sculptures and snowman records tell stories of ambition, creativity, and the resilient spirit against the winter’s chill. From the towering heights of Bethel’s Angus and Olympia to the festive displays of the Otley Snowman Trail, communities are uniting across the globe, showcasing their talent and camaraderie. No matter where these icy creations blur the lines of reality and imagination, they remind us of the joy and wonder brought by the simplest materials — snow and community spirit.
