FARMINGTON – A snow pile, an idea, time and a few simple tools can make local individuals or teams winners of the first annual “Snowbound Hoedown” snow sculpture competition planned for Feb. 27 on the Mantor Library Green at the University of Maine at Farmington.

The UMF Ministry of Experimental Arts is hosting the competition and invites the community to participate along with students on campus. The contest is free and open to the public.

The Ministry of Experimental Arts is a group of faculty and students representing all the arts … music, dance, art and theater … whose mission is to promote the arts at UMF and provide art and cultural opportunities for the campus and local community, said Robin Palmer-Mosher, administrative assistant. The group tries to plan one event a month. Some of their most memorable include the 2007 Arts Night, 2008 and 2009 Arts Weeks at UMF and the car orchestra where car horns tooted an original piece of music.

With a name like “Snowbound Hoedown,” one might think there is a particular theme planned for the snow creations but that’s not the case, she said.

“It’s just a creative name … but ideas could go that way,” she added.

A variety of sculptures are expected with no size limitations, she said. Facility Management will also bring in more snow for sculptors to carve and color. Food coloring is fine but no spray paint is allowed, she said.

The building of sculptures may begin anytime after sunrise on Feb. 27 and must be completed by 5 p.m. that day. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges including UMF students, faculty and staff. The contest will be followed by a reception to announce the winners and award prizes from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the UMF Art Gallery.

“So far, the idea has been well received,” she said.

Participants can sign up at the event or for more information contact the UMF Visual and Performing Arts Department at 778-7072, or [email protected]