Massive 20-Foot Snowman Draws Crowds to Massachusetts Neighborhood

A towering snowman standing about 20 feet tall has become a must-see attraction in Shirley, Massachusetts, drawing steady crowds of curious visitors and photo-takers.

The giant snow sculpture, named Parker after the road where it stands, stretches roughly 21 feet wide and sits outside the home of Katie Aalerud and her family. Drivers regularly stop along the street to admire the smiling winter creation, which lights up at night and can be seen from a distance as people approach the hill near the home.

The oversized snowman is the work of Aalerud’s husband, Eric, who first built a large version after the couple welcomed their daughter Emerson. What began as a winter project has now become an annual tradition — and each year, the snowman gets bigger.

This year’s impressive size was made possible by a powerful snowstorm in mid-January that provided plenty of material to build the massive structure. The snowman’s details include light-up eyes and buttons, large tree branches for arms, and a painted trash barrel serving as a hat. At night, the entire display glows.

Building something that tall takes creativity — and courage. Eric uses an extension ladder to reach the top, carefully adjusting lights and features while working high above the ground.

So far, the giant snowman has held up well through the winter weather. If temperatures stay cool and more snow arrives, the family hopes their neighborhood landmark will remain standing for weeks to come.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.