For the first time in 26 years, the Lakeside “Frosties” will not be back again someday.

Since 1999, painted plywood snowmen have spread holiday cheer in Lakeside and Somers during the winter season. But creating this Christmas magic isn’t as effortless as it appears, and Lois Lauman, who created the tradition with her late husband Dale, said that at 82, she’s ready to let Frosty hurry on his way.  

"It’s too much for one person,” she said. “I just don’t have the energy anymore.” 

The remaining Frosties, around 75 in total, will be sold for $10 each on April 11 at 10 a.m. at the storage units located next to Treasure State Coffee Co. on U.S. 93 in Lakeside. For anyone looking to catch a favorite plywood snowman, the sale is cash only.  

The Laumans started the Frosty tradition after Dale lived in Virginia and was inspired by the festive decorations around town during the holidays. He saw how the decorating efforts united the community and hoped to bring the East Coast custom back to his native Montana. When Dale returned to Lakeside, he and Lois put their heads together and eventually landed on the plywood snowmen.  

The Laumans and a group of volunteers brought 25 Frosties to life that first year. Each hand-painted snowman is as unique as its painter. New snowmen were added over the years as others retired after enduring too many Montana winters. Recently, their ranks swelled to more than 150, with as many as 50 volunteers contributing to the effort. 

“I just cannot thank the volunteers enough for taking the time to keep this tradition going,” Lauman said.  

These days, though, Lauman said it’s hard to find enough volunteers.  

“The committees have shrunk simply because people age out,” said Lauman. “There was an era of time that people were involved, and they have flat out aged up, and some of them have passed on. And the younger ones, they don't have the desire, or they don't have the time, probably a combination of both.” 

The Frosties are also a labor of love, emphasis on labor. As she’s gotten older, Lauman said, it’s harder to wrangle the large and heavy plywood snowmen. She needs leaders to set up and take down the snowmen in October and February but doesn't have the volunteers.  

“There's a lot of work involved in it,” Lauman said. “You have to have a place to paint, and they're big and they're awkward, so you have to have space. It's got to be warm, and it's got to have power and water. And there's just hardly any place to paint. Nobody has the facilities to lend us for two or three weeks.” 

A few individuals have approached Lauman about taking over the tradition, but none of them live in the Flathead Valley full time. With a season from October to February, snowbirds are in the wrong climate when Frosties are running around the streets of town. 

Many businesses in Lakeside and Somers have faithfully displayed their Frosties over the years, and Lauman said she offered to let them have their Frosties for free. If those businesses are willing to store and maintain the snowmen, she hopes they’ll keep at least a few Frosties out in the wild. 

Lauman has mixed emotions as she parts with the remaining Frosties.  

"Every good thing comes to an end at some point,” she said. “We’ve had a good run with lots of good people and met people who have become good friends to this day. So it was just a win-win.” 

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.

    "Frosties" have dotted Lakeside and Somers during the holiday season since 1999. (Courtesy Lois Lauman)
  

    Volunteers with their completed "Frosty" snowman. (Courtesy Lois Lauman)
  

    "Frosties" have dotted Lakeside and Somers during the holiday season since 1999. (Courtesy Lois Lauman)