By Rosie Hughes
YORKSHIRE’S ONLY snowman trail is taking place in Otley for the first time this year.
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More than 100 homemade and toy snowmen have been displayed in shops, churches and houses around the town. A snowman trail booklet is available to buy for £1 – all proceeds go to charity.
The treasure-hunt style activity began on 1 December and runs until 17 December.
Otley town mayor, councillor Nigel Francis, organised this event.
He said: “The snowman trail, as far as we know, is the first time it’s ever been done in the country – certainly in Yorkshire. What happens is, you visit the snowmen, you enter the competitions and it’s just a bit of fun.”
The trail supports the Otley town mayor’s 14+1 charity, where the town hopes to raise £30,000 for local and international charities – including the Avro memorial appeal in Yeadon.
Chelsea McKie, 22, from Horsforth, has made a snowman for her family’s business Kirkgate Jewellers. It is made from over 800 plastic cups and the hat is made from a large baked bean tin and a vinyl record.
She said: “I did a couple of hours each night over the course of two to three weeks. I was looking on Pinterest but they were much smaller. I thought – I could do that and make it bigger.”
Chelsea McKie, 22, of Horsforth with her snowman creation
Bethel Church has displayed a snowman on their notice board. Pastor Chris Haley said: “We’re taking part because it sounded like a lovely thing for our town to do together to celebrate Christmas.
“We also wanted to let people know we are here, as Christmas can be a difficult time for some.”
A slogan made up of 25 letters is hidden with the snowmen in the town centre. A competition to find Otley’s Christmas slogan is running until 17 December. The winner will win a collection of local prizes.
Otley is also running late night shopping, enhanced Christmas markets and a Christmas tree festival this December.