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    Home » Frosty who? Tumbleweed Snowman is an Albuquerque holiday tradition
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    Frosty who? Tumbleweed Snowman is an Albuquerque holiday tradition

    Rachel DriskellBy Rachel DriskellDecember 13, 2022Updated:December 14, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
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    In this 2016 photo, Julie Chavez takes a selfie with her then 4-year-old son Lucas at Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority's tumbleweed snowman, who is planted to the side of westbound Interstate 40 west of Carlisle. (Albuquerque Journal file photo by Marla Brose)
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    One of Albuquerque’s best holiday gems is the Tumbleweed Snowman set up by the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA).

    Nolan Bennett, director of operations at AMAFCA, says the company is responsible for maintaining approximately 100 miles of channels. Maintenance includes trash and debris disposable, with tumbleweeds making up a large portion of the debris. 

    While small, rolling tumbleweeds may come to mind, New Mexico tumbleweeds can grow to gargantuan size. In fact, the snowman is comprised of three or two very large tumbleweeds rather than several small ones. 

    According to Bennett, early November officially kicks off the gathering of tumbleweeds, which are often stored in a large dump truck until needed. Enthusiastic locals are known to call in with the discovery of possible candidates for the project. Sprayed with white paint prior to assembly, the snowman takes around three hours to create with a crew starting around 6:30 a.m. and finishing around 8:30 a.m. Over the years, accessories have been added to the assembly, including a handmade scarf knitted by a crew member’s mother-in-law.

    Assembling Tumbleweed Snowman

    AMAFCA employee James Moya installs one of the arms on the Tumbleweed Snowman along I-40 near the Big I on Nov. 30, 2021. The structure has been a fixture for the last 27 years, bringing Holiday Cheers to motorists in a unique New Mexico way. (Albuquerque file photo by Adolphe Pierre-Louis)
    AMAFCA employees Mark Ramirez and James Moya add the face to the Tumbleweed Snowman along I-40 next to the offices of the AMAFCA in 2019. (Albuquerque file photo by Jim Thompson)
    AMAFCA employees secure the Tumbleweed Snowman along Interstate 40 in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The tradition began in 1995, marking this the 27th year of installing the local icon on Tumbleweed Tuesday, the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
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    The Tumbleweed Snowman has made an annual appearance since its debut in 1995. In fact, the AMAFCA has officially dubbed the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving as “Tumbleweed Tuesday.” Don’t be surprised if you hear the excited honks of passing cars as they recognize this special gem. The Tumbleweed Snowman is up for display Tumbleweed Tuesday through the first week of January. 

    Per Bennett, “AMAFCA took a universally hated item and made it something fun.” This concept has connected with people all over the country. A neighboring Holiday Inn Express often accommodates guests from all over the country who are coming to pay the snowman a visit. 

    Ready to greet you each December

    A crew from AMAFCA, including James Moya, left, and John Nix, right, do the finishing touches on the 12-foot high tumbleweed snowman westbound on Interstate 40, east of University Blvd., in 2013. This was the 18th year for the snowman, who had recently been photographed and published in National Geographic magazine. (Albuquerque Journal file photo by Marla Brose)
    AMAFCA employee James Moya secures the nose on the AMAFCA Tumbleweed Snowman along Interstate 40 in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The tradition began in 1995, marking this the 27th year of installing the local icon on Tumbleweed Tuesday, the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
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    Viewers can find the snowman along westbound I-40, just before exit 159D. It can’t be missed with its 12-15 foot frame and 55-gallon steel drum hat. The company has thoughtfully created banners that tell the history of this special icon. The banners hang from the DOT access fence located in the AMAFCA parking lot.   With just the right angle you can capture a selfie with this special snowman. Don’t worry … we won’t tell Frosty. 

    Address: 2600 Prospect Ave. NE

    Albuquerque Christmas AMAFCA Tumbleweed Snowman
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    Rachel Driskell

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