DARKE COUNTY – In addition to the Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland luminary event, Darke County Parks held its first ever snowman decorating contest in 2017.
The contest was extremely popular with several organizations and business participating. The success of that first-time event last year was undoubtedly due to the time and effort of parks’ maintenance supervisor, Wayne Nichols.
Nichols spent the day after Thanksgiving last year on his personal time hauling logs, stacking and securing them as the foundation for the snowmen. Without his knowledge, patience and equipment, the daunting task never would have been accomplished.
Sadly, on Dec. 3, 2017, the day after the luminary walk and contest, Nichols suddenly passed away.
To honor Nichols and his hard work, Darke County Parks has chosen to name the contest after him.
The Wayne Nichols Memorial Snowman Decorating Contest of 2018 will take place Dec. 1 at Shawnee Prairie Preserve at 4267 State Route 502 Greenville.
In conjunction with the Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland, park visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite snowman entry.
The contest will take place from 6-9 p.m. and will be located adjacent to the sugar shack. A prize will be awarded for people’s choice favorite.
For any business, church or community organization that is interested in participating, the entry form can be picked up at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center or the form can be downloaded from the park website at www.darkecountyparks.org.
For more information, contact Mandy Martin at 937-548-0165 or [email protected].
