15 years ago in Bethel, Maine, hundreds of volunteers built a snowperson named “Olympia.” Named and decorated in honor of Olympia Snowe, former United States Senator and Founder of the Institute, it measured 122-feet-high and became the tallest snowperson in the world, entering the Guinness World Book of Records.
She was only a few feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.
“Olympia” donned a 48-foot-wide red hat made by local middle school students. She also had a matching scarf, necklace with a six-foot-wide snowflake pendant, and 16 black skis as eyelashes. Five red car tires comprised her mouth, and her buttons were large black truck tires. She had built-in hips and arms made from 25-foot spruce trees. She weighed 13 million pounds and lasted for five months, fully melting in July of 2008.
The project was led by Robin Zinchuk, former Director of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, with support from Jim Sysko, a local engineer ensuring its structural safety. Sunday River Ski Resort helped create extra snow for the project, and many Mainers donated their supplies and time.
Recently, the record was challenged unsuccessfully, so it still holds on “Olympia’s” 15th birthday.