THE LAST TIME I SAW Faribo Frosty, his smile was turned upside down in a frown. That was in April, when winter was winding down in southern Minnesota and Frosty’s demise was imminent.
Now some nine months later, the ginormous snowman is back, at least partially. Faribault homeowner Andy Hoisington is busy building the 2023-2024 Faribo Frosty in his front yard at the corner of First Street Northwest and Third Avenue Northwest in Faribault. Since 2005, the Hoisington family has crafted a massive snowman, their gift to the community and now a popular winter attraction for locals and out-of-towners, young and old alike.
It’s truly a labor of love. Andy hauls trailer load after trailer load of shaved ice from the Faribault Ice Arena across town to construct the snowman. He scoops, waters, carries (up a ladder) and shapes the snow ice into the snowman which this year will stand nearly two stories tall. That’s taller than last year, when Frosty was shorter, more robust than some other years.
Visitors are welcome to step into the Hoisingtons’ yard for photos and a closer look at Frosty, maybe even a hug.
Nothing, not even near 50-degree temps predicted today and tomorrow and a lack of natural snow, stop Andy in his mission to bring happiness and smiles. Faribo Frosty is his gift to us, and we are all the happier for this celebrity snowman in our community.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love the snowman and it looks like everyone else does too. Enjoy !!!
Faribo Frosty brings so much joy in this community!
yay, I remember this, and I’m so glad he’s continuing his tradition, a gift to the whole town
We love Faribo Frosty and are grateful to the Hoisingtons for their generous gift to all of us.
It’s amazing that they do this every year! 🙂
Yes, because building and maintaining Faribo Frosty is a lot of work.
What an undertaking this is every year but a welcome sight for all those who have come to love him. I would be right up there with Izzy hugging him!
I for sure can see you hugging Faribo Frosty.
What a wonderful gift to us all. I like Faribo Frosty and we will bring Zoey and Ezra to see him once again.
I bet your family looks forward to seeing Faribo Frosty when they’re in Minnesota.
I hope so. They’re looking forward to snow…but may be disappointed!
Faribo Frosty is completed. And he has a new sign, which says Faribo Frosty since 2005.
I remember Faribo from your last year’s post. These are lovely people to do this.
Such a gift to my community and beyond.