“Silly people doing silly things” at Misawa’s snowman competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Five private organizations from across Misawa Air Base gathered at Risner Circle to battle in the medium of snow, with the Misawa Theater Group coming out on top during the Second Annual Snowman Build Competition Feb. 16 at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

However, this event was more than an opportunity for organizations to show off their ability to manipulate snow. It was a moment in time for people to come out into the winter weather and have fun.

"It's silly people doing silly things," said Airman 1st Class Geoffery Payero, 35th Communications Squadron strike team member. "It reminds me of when I was deployed. My coworkers and I built sand castles but, over here you get judged on what you make and over there you had lizards living in them."

The purpose of the Exchange New Car Sales hosted event was to help the private organizations earn money. The groups were pitted against each other, tasked to create an original snow sculpture in two hours. Their goal was to collect the $250 gift card after judging.

However, the nature of the competition was overshadowed by the fun people were having during the competition.

"This is my first time attending the competition," said Senior Airman Chad Waldron, 35 CS information assurance representative. "I'm excited and it's fun. Everyone looked like they're enjoying themselves and I will let everyone know about this for next year."

According to William Tuttle, Harley Davidson military sales representative and event organizer, last year was the wing's first competition and it was a huge success. There were a lot of great teams that came out and it was a lot of fun, and we're hoping for the same results this year.

Tuttle, a resident of Misawa for 15 years, has experienced several winters and knows firsthand the importance of having fun in the powdery white stuff.

"Winters here can drag on and get depressing," said Tuttle. "So, we [Exchange New Car Sales representatives] decided to have a little fun during the winter; try something different. So far the competition has been a success."

Plus, its a good way to introduce people to Misawa's winters, Tuttle added.

Misawa's winters typically last from November to May, and with events like the snowman build competition, there's always something fun to do.