ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A temporary winter resident of Albuquerque has returned for Christmas. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority tumbleweed snowman is back on the north side of I-40 near the University exit. The tradition began in 1995 with the unveiling of the snowman on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving.
“Since we don’t get a lot of snow in Albuquerque, but we do grow a lot of tumbleweeds, this is our holiday tradition and we put him out next to the freeway and it brings in the holiday season for us,” said Paula Dodge-Kwan, Director of Operations, AMAFCA.
The holiday staple is made out of both tumbleweeds and recycled materials found in arroyos around the city. AMAFCA reminded the community that arroyos are for flood waters and not for humans or trash.
