WOWT Contest Attracts 400+ Entries

A single picture e-mailed to WOWT Chief Meteorologist Jim Flowers earlier this week is what sparked a full-fledged "best snowman" contest, complete with official judging and valuable prizes.

On Monday's 4 p.m. newscast, Flowers shared a "Jim Flowers" look-a-like snowman picture that was e-mailed to him at the station. Then he invited other viewers to send him their snowman pictures.

What happened next was beyond Flowers' expectations. Within 24 hours, the station had received more than 100 pictures. By Thursday at 2 p.m., the total had exceeded 400 -- with a little less than 24 hours to still get entries in.

"The response was overwhelming," Flowers said. "The original idea was a look-alike snowman, but with so many (entries) already received, we changed the concept to 'best snowman' contest."

Flowers said a five-person committee will judge the entries. The winner will receive a digital camera, while five second-place finishers will each get season tickets to University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey games.

"They (UNO) contacted us to be a part of the contest," Flowers said. "This was a great turnaround by our promotional department to put this together on the fly with little notice."