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MARSHALL -- It was a unique situation, Cam Bailey said. With COVID-19 putting limits on the kinds of activities people could do, Marshall Community Services was brainstorming ways to get the community moving, but safely.
"We were trying to think -- how can we get people outside still?" asked Bailey, recreation coordinator at MCS.
Then, Minnesota winter weather provided just the right opportunity. Marshall will be holding a virtual snowman contest. Kids, adults and families can all submit photos of their snow creations, and see who's "Best In Snow."
"It's going to be the entire month of January," Bailey said. That should allow time for enough good packing snow to fall, and for people to build their "coolest" snowmen. "I'm really excited to see how creative people can be."
The "virtual" part of the snowman contest will also allow for social distancing, Bailey said. Participants can email a photo of themselves with their snowman for judging. Community members can also show their support for their favorite entry on the MCS Facebook page.
The Best In Snow contest is free and open to all ages, although participants are asked to pre-register. There will be categories for kids age 12 and under, people age 13 and up, and families. Participants can get creative in building their snowmen and use color and accessories -- entries just have to be family-friendly. Builders must hold a sign in the photo with their snowman that says, "Cultivating Marshall's Best Snowman in 2021."
The top three snowmen in each division, as judged by local sponsors, will be eligible for prizes including Apple Air Pods, a Yeti cooler and 2021 memberships to the Marshall Aquatic Center, Bailey said. The snowman that receives the most likes on the MCS Facebook page will also get a prize.
Entries must be submitted by Jan. 31. Participants can email their photo to MCS at cam.bailey@ci.marshall.mn.us.
For more details, and to register, call Marshall Community Services at 537-6767, or register online at https://bit.ly/2mlEQh.