Sunshine, snow and sculpture

by Laura Curcio
Grand Island Dispatch, February 23, 2007

James Cooke, Mandy Liesenfeld and Jane Cooke gather around
their creatively made crocodile. (photo by Laura Curcio)

Children hard at work – or should we say, hard at play – on a sunshiny day made up the setting for some winter fun. On Tuesday, the Grand Island Recreation Department sponsored a snow sculpture contest near the Grand Island Town Commons Rotary Gazebo.

All ages were eligible to participate, and supplies were provided for them – everything from spray paint to Popsicle sticks. With smiles on their faces and hands busy at work, every contestant appeared eager to be there and to build the most creative sculpture.

The children preferred to work in groups, and there were three outstanding teams. One group was comprised of James “Cappy” Cooke, 14; Jane Cooke, 11; and Mandy Liesenfeld, 11, who were working intently on their creation of a crocodile, complete with green spray paint and Popsicle sticks on its back.

Twins Max and Ray Tafelski, 11, decided they would make the classic fort.

Last, but not least, a family affair consisting of Ben Freedman, 8; Marissa Freedman, 8; Kevin Freedman, 10; and their mother, Denise Freedman, worked together to make a frog.

Each sculpture was very beautifully made, with that sort of perfection only children have. Many of the participants soon got distracted, though, as they began a snowball war with each other, wrestling and playing around in the snow. In fact, Director of Reality Café Dolly D’Orazio laughed saying, “They’re more interested in throwing snowballs. Maybe next year, we should have a snowball throwing contest instead.” Everyone was having a good time, complete with refreshments. “It’s going to break up the day real nice. It’s perfect packing snow,” Denise Freedman, commented on the success of the event. “Plus, I get to soak up some sunshine.”

When everyone was finished with their sculptures, prizes were awarded, and everyone’s hard work paid off. They all received ribbons for their efforts and Mardi Gras beads, which were very appropriate for that day. Each contestant beamed with pride and showed off their ribbons. It was just a very fun atmosphere for all who participated and watched. Not bad for their first time holding this type of event.

Marissa Freedman stands behind her family’s snow
creation, a Kermit-like frog. (photo by Karen Keefe)