NEWS

Burning Snowman Norman says goodbye to winter

Craig Shoup
Reporter

BAY TOWNSHIP – The biggest party of the year may have happened before spring's arrival, as hundreds watched winter melt away.

Norman, the snowman made of cotton and wood, was enjoying his last few hours before being burned to the ground.

The inaugural Burning Snowman was created as a way to usher in spring while saying goodbye to winter one last time. It raises money for a good cause.

"We like to burn stuff and it kind of brought us to this level," said Matt Ritter, snowman maker.

Ritter, along with fellow volunteer Nick James, said the goal is to make Burning Snowman an annual event.

"We are ecstatic about the turnout," said James. "This is all a fundraising event for the United Way of Ottawa County. We are very happy to be partnered with them."

James said there was no specific goal for the fundraising because it was the first time for the event. He said the turnout was better than expected, despite cold temperatures.

Although, Ottawa and Sandusky County residents are feeling the chill of Jack Frost, Ritter said he and friends wanted to host an event where friends from the area could come, have fun and hope the symbolic burning of Norman the snowman would get everyone in a warm weather mindset.

'Norman' goes up in flames during the 2015 Burning Snowman Festival.

"It was exciting to see the fire, but winter is just getting started" joked Marblehead resident Nathan Dubbert.

"The snowman was made with cotton and wax and Crisco," he said.

Many braved the cold weather to enjoy the festivities,including Sandusky County resident Je Klopping.

"I came here from (Ohio) 20 to party and ride my snowmobile," he said. "I've been coming to this area for five years (to snowmobile)."

cshoup@gannett.com

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Twitter: CraigShoupNH

The Naked Bacon Band was among the long list of acts performing at the first Burning Snowman event.