The Slice: High hopes for a winner wonderland

The Slice’s Snowman Contest begins tonight at 10:08.

That also happens to be when winter officially gets under way. But unlike the season, the Snowman Contest comes with small prizes.

Here are the rules.

Send me a snapshot of a snowman built in the Inland Northwest sometime between tonight and Groundhog Day (Feb. 2). Traditional photos and e-mailed pictures are both acceptable. It won’t hurt your chances if the chief designers/builders are also in the photograph. And maybe a dog.

Designate which category you are entering.

Pledge that your entry adheres to the honor system requirements of basic honesty. (Remember, the prizes are going to be modest.)

Be sure to note your phone numbers, in case I want to arrange to come see your frozen creation in person.

Good luck.

Contest Categories

1. Frosty Freestyle Award: To the person behind the best snowman that does not fall under any of the following headings.

2. Calvin and Hobbes Award: To the creator of the snowman most in keeping with the spirit of the comic-strip snow people who sprang from the mind of cartoonist Bill Watterson.

3. Inland Empire Heritage Award: To the person building a snowman that stands as the most impressive tribute to mining, logging, agriculture or yard-saling.

4. What About the Children Award: Will honor the best snow sculpture (any theme) conceived and executed by a kid or kids 7 years old or younger.

5. Carrots ‘n’ Charcoal Award: Salutes the snowman creator employing nonsnow add-ons to the best effect.

6. He’s Aliiiive Award: To the creator of a snow creature most closely resembling a famous movie monster.

7. Marmot Lodge Award: To the snow artist producing the most striking representation of the area’s signature rodent.

8. Local Landmark Award: Honors the person behind the most impressive snow sculpture depicting a high-profile Spokane area building or natural feature.

9. Breaking News Award: To the creator of the snow persons who most closely resemble Spokane TV news anchors.

10. Spokane Icon Award: Will go to the creative force behind a snow sculpture inspired by some past or present Spokane symbol, whether it’s a B-52, a locomotive, a pickup truck or Dorothy Dean.

I’m also planning to name a best-in-show winner.

Some of the snowman snapshots are almost certain to wind up appearing in the Today section, on www.spokesmanreview.com or both.

So this could be your chance to achieve a modicum of fame. Have fun.

Of course, a lot depends on the weather.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

“Today’s Slice question: If you were going to give Spokane a present, what would it be?