Meet The Giant Snowless Snowman Who's Been Delighting Drivers For 2 Decades

Meet The Giant Snowless Snowman Who's Been Delighting Drivers For 2 Decades

When you enter this New Mexico city during the holiday season, you might get an awesome greeting -- Wild West style.

For the past 20 years, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) has put smiles on drivers' faces with a giant "snowman" that's made with an unusual component, common in the area -- tumbleweed. The 13-foot decoration stands along Interstate 40, generating honks from delighted commuters every day.

snowman

"The first time I saw it, I didn’t believe what I saw -- a tumbleweed snowman," Ronnie Carrillo, an Albuquerque resident, told Fox News. "But now this is our holiday icon."

snowman

While some say the snowman started as a joke, the tradition has turned into a pretty serious affair, with a great deal of effort going into its creation, Jeffrey S. Willis of AMAFCA told The Huffington Post in an email.

The AMAFCA crew aims to create a bigger decoration each year, collecting the largest tumbleweeds they're able to find growing in their flood-control facilities. The department welder, James Moya, then creates the structure that supports the friendly giant.

snowman

And though Albuquerque only receives an average annual snowfall of less than 10 inches, Willis told HuffPost that the tumbleweed snowman has proved that you don't need any flurries to have some winter fun.

Before You Go

Psy
This is major commitment to the bit.
Cartman From "South Park"
It's easy, yet perfect.
Reddit Alien
There are a million of these, but this is definitely the cutest.
Jabba The Hutt
The coloring really brings out his eyes.
My Neighbor Totoro
Now with cute little babies inside.
Dalek From "Doctor Who"
Not as scary in snow.
Stewie From "Family Guy"
He's angry all the time.
Brian From "Family Guy"
The drink is an excellent touch.
Conan O'Brien
Even without a face, we still love Conan.
The Cat In The Hat
So whimsical!
"Jersey Shore" Cast Member, Various
This unnamed "guido" speaks for all cast members. (Or maybe Bono?)
Freddy Kreuger
His time is almost over.
Spartan From Halo
Guarding your house, one snowflake at a time.
Homer Simpson
Watch out for Mr. Plow.
AT-AT From "Star Wars"
Their armor's too strong for blasters.
South Park Characters
Forever waiting by the bus stop.
R2D2
If that kid did the whole thing he is very impressive.
Yoda
Ask him all of your questions.
The Simpsons
This can't be real, right?
Sonic
If he's not running, he's not happy.
Bender From "Futurama"
This is a great version of our favorite robot.
Stitch From "Lilo And Stitch"
Such great detail!
Arnold From "Hey Arnold"
Move it football head.
Pikachu
Gotta catch 'em all.

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