By Dan Murphy
Every year in the Westchester Town of North Castle, a holiday tradition is held celebrating the birthplace of Frosty the Snowman. In the Westchester village of Armonk, a parade is held to commemorate the fact that the famous story, and movie that most of us have watched again and again on television, hails from Westchester.
The lyricist of the winter holiday classic, Steve Nelson, was a frequent visitor to Armonk after World War II from his home in nearby White Plains. In 1950, he wrote the song’s lyrics, which he put to Jack Rollins’ music; it was the same year that he was looking for land in Armonk on which to build his new home. Gene Autry recorded the song that year, making it an instant classic, following his earlier hit of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Two years later, Nelson moved his young family to Armonk, where he lived until his death in 1981. In 1957, “Frosty the Snowman” was recorded again by Perry Como, solidifying it as a perennial song of the season. This success was followed by an animated version in 1969, now seen annually on TV.
Located in the Town of North Castle, Armonk’s historic district is the “Village Square” mentioned in the song’s lyrics where Frosty dared the children to “catch me if you can.”
Lifelong Armonk resident and town Councilwoman Barbara DiGiacinto said: “It was pretty much common knowledge that Mr. Nelson had Armonk in mind when he wrote the song. (As a) matter of fact, the traffic cop in the song who hollered ‘Stop!’ to Frosty was said to be based on the town’s former Chief of Police John Hergenhan, who just happened to be my uncle.”
During the holidays, where several religions are symbolized in civic and educational settings, Frosty the Snowman remains a symbol of the fun and excitement of the winter season. Ed Woodyard, a longtime organizer of the townwide holiday event commemorating Frosty noted, “Frosty reminds people of the magic to be found during this time of year, for young and old alike. The only thing the Frosty believes in is kids.”
Events and activities will be held for three hours around town before the parade, which will travel north on Main Street to Maple Avenue, and then to Wampus Brook Park. Everyone is part of the parade, joining at the end to help welcome Frosty home for the holidays
New activities for this year’s parade include miniature trains, animated animals, horse drawn wagon and a bubble truck. There will also be dancers, singers, marching bands Santa, and of course Frosty. The non-profit, Friends of Frosty is encouraging visitors to donate a coat or winter clothing to someone in need. clothing bins will be around town and at the North Castle Library.
For more information, visit www.ArmonkFrosty.com.
