WITH NO SNOW LAYERING the local landscape, I didn’t expect Faribault’s famous Frosty the Snowman to make his annual pre-Christmas appearance yet.
But there he was, standing tall and proud in the Hoisington family’s front yard at 18 Third Avenue Northwest Saturday afternoon.
Debbie Hoisington was photographing the work crew as they finished sculpting the snowman from 21 trailer loads of snow/ice sourced from the Faribault Ice Arena. As I paused to chat for a moment, head snowman builder Andy Hoisington noted that Faribault needs Frosty more than ever this year due to COVID-19. I agreed.
I thanked him and his family for the joy they bring to others, 2020 marking the 11th or 12th year of Faribo Frosty accenting their Faribault yard. They’ve lost count. The over-sized snowman draws families and others for memorable photo ops and has become a community holiday attraction.
For Andy, part of the joy also comes in working side-by-side with his family. As I watched on Saturday, he and his 34-year-old son, Jake, scooped snow from a trailer toward the ground around Faribo Frosty.
Snapping my final frames, I said, “I’ll be back with the grandchildren when they’re in town.” And I will. It’s become a tradition to see Frosty and pose for photos.
NOTE: Be sure to wear face masks and social distance as needed when visiting Faribo Frosty.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
🙂 Oh My I miss Minnesota ⛄️
Well, then, I’m happy to bring a bit of Minnesota to you via my blog.
Awww everyone loves Faribo Frosty, even from a distance.
Thanks for appreciating Faribo Frosty all the way from PA, Ruth.
He’s a lovable guy!
Yes, much loved by all ages.
Yay, I’m so glad to know Frosty is in Faribault.
Hopefully this warm weather the next few days won’t cause too much melting of Frosty.
Yes! I was hoping this would still be up!
As Andy said, this year more than ever, we need Faribo Frosty.
You’re right…more than ever we need these traditions to brighten our days. This brought a smile to my face, thanks for posting. I’m still waiting for the snow…….sigh
Snow this weekend possibly?
Oh, Audrey, thank you for this post and photos. How well I remember this beautiful home! I also remember when we lived in Faribault that a lovely family lived in this home with their 4 boys – 3 of which were triplets.
If memory serves me right … one of the triplet’s name was Jake.
If that’s right, it’s amazing to see the passage of time, as the triplets were very young when I worked at the library in Faribault. If this is the “little Jake” I knew … he’s certainly grown up!
Thanks for the journey down memory lane for me!
Kathleen, the Hoisingtons are a different family than the one you recall living in this beautiful, historic home. They don’t have triplets in their family. Jake Hoisington is the same age as Amber, but a year behind in school.
I love that they do this and yes this year the holiday cheer is needed even more.
I, and the community, appreciate this Faribo Frosty tradition. Such a gift to all of us.
What an amazing feat to haul in all that snow to build Frosty! Wonderful! 🙂
Faribo Frosty is a wonderful gift from the Hoisington family to our community.