Olympia SnowWoman, the world’s tallest snowwoman, is almost completely melted, but her lovely Maine mica pendant, created by Jim Mann and his crew at Mt. Mann Jewelers, now hangs in the office of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 Station Place, behind the movie theater, Bethel, Maine.

Jim Mann and Ryan Wheeler with a little help from chamber staff and a visitor, hoisted the huge, heavy pendant up to a large hook in a beam at ceiling height. It was a major operation to do it without the crane that was used for the snowWoman. The pendant seems so much bigger when it is up close and personal!

Jim and Eli Mann

Facts about Olympia SnowWoman’s Pendant

• Concept, design, and assembly by Jim Mann.

• Steel work by Eli Mann.

• 20 pounds of steel for the frame.

• 60 pounds of plywood for the base.

• Measures 7-1/2 feet in diameter.

• 80 pounds of mica refined down to 20 pounds to create the mosaic.

• 800+ pieces of mica adhered with exterior caulk.

• 100 hours of construction.

• Painting, adhering of the mica, and cutting of the shape done by the crew at Mt. Mann Jewelers.

• Center “gem” made of faceted glass and weighs 700 carats.

February 27, 2008 – installing the pendant on the snowWoman

June 5, 2008 - Jim Mann and helpers at the chamber office

Pendant hanging for all to view. Stop in at 8 Station Place, Bethel, Maine. Hours: Mon-Sat, 9-5.

Olympia SnowWoman, by Kaye Lawler, Mexico, Maine

Not only in the village
Can Olympia be seen
But those who stand in awe of her
Cannot believe the scene

The majesty of her greatness
Outlined against the skies
The Magic of her presence
Can be seen before our eyes

A pendant made of mica
That she does wear with pride
A gem and precious treasure
For our own Olympia

She stands for strength and beauty
And both are rare, indeed
Angus left his heart to her
To beat in harmony

A hush hangs o’er the valley
For in her heart she knows
She’ll leave her heart behind her
Beneath the melting snow

The sun will shine upon her
And she will disappear
Nothing ever lasts forever
But her heart will stay right here.

Name: Olympia SnowWoman;
Height: 122′1″;
Weight: 13,000,000 lbs. of snow;
5 foot wreaths for eyes;
16 skis for eyelashes;
“Carrot” nose made of muslin, chicken wire & wood frame by the MSAD #44 elementary school children;
5 red auto tires for lips, painted by the Mahoosuc Kids Association;
48 ft. circumference fleece hat made by the Mt. Valley Middle School students;
130 ft. scarf;
6 1/2 ft. Maine-mica snowflake pendant created by Jim Mann of Mt. Mann Jewelers;
30 ft. spruce trees for arms;
3 truck-loader tires for buttons;
2,000 ft. of rope hair!

Although I never doubted we would do it, it is just incredible to look up at this 122′1″ beauty and fully acknowledge that WE REALLY DID IT! This was the most amazing team effort I have been a part of in my 21 years with the Bethel Area Chamber. Now it’s time for the world to come and see her!

Photos courtesy of Chris Dagdigian. View more at http://flickr.com/photos/chrisdag/sets/72157603970145961/

We couldn’t do it without the fantastic efforts of many volunteers!

Another beautiful day for SnowWoman building! Check out that sky!

Photos courtesy of volunteer Chris Dagdigian. Thank you Chris!
To view more great shots by Chris Visit: http://flickr.com/photos/chrisdag/

Come to the Bethel Area Chamber’s office (behind the movie theater and Serendipity Cafe & Bakery) to buy souvenirs!

The chamber has SnowWoman T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, postcards, (1999’s World’s Tallest Snowman too!), mugs, ornaments, balsam-filled pillows, and glossy 8 x10’s of the SnowWoman artwork.
Prices $1 to $20.
Call the chamber at 207.824.2282 for details or stop in, Mon-Sat, 9-5; Sun noon-5.