Going back two decades, Armonk had a small holiday winter walk. But the tradition elevated when it was discovered that the cowriter of Frosty the Snowman lived in Armonk, where the setting inspired the iconic holiday song.
Ed Woodyard, founding member of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce uncovered Steve Nelson’s, co-writer of the song, Frosty the Snowman, home address and took off running. It is believed that Armonk’s bucolic setting inspired the song but there were copyright issues.
In 2005, Woodyard approached lawyer, David Boies, founding partner of Boies Schiller Flexner, known for his involvement in the Bush v. Gore decision. Boies has an Armonk office, and Woodyard sought his pro bono assistance.
“It took two years, but we finally got the clearance to call ourselves the home of Frosty,” revealed Woodyard, who cofounded the Friends of Frosty with Armonk businesswomen Debbie LaGravinese and Judy Willsey.
Woodyard didn’t know how the town would respond when they first put on the Frosty parade in 2009. He was pleasantly surprised. “Coming over the hill, we couldn’t believe it,” he recalled. “There were a thousand people lined up to see the parade.”
Still going strong, Armonk’s Frosty Day features face-decorating, frosting cookies, and a make-your-own Frosty. There are train rides in Wampus Park, live marching bands, singers, dancers, and lots of parade floats. The merchants in town hand out holiday treats and the library plays the cartoon on a loop. This year there will even be a bubble truck to add to the festivities!
Seniors from The Bristal join the Fire Department and their antique trucks as part of the parade, and when there’s a reigning state champ, the Byram Hills Bobcats have even had their own float.
The parade marches right through the ‘historic district’ of downtown Armonk which was the inspiration for the ‘Village Square’ where Frosty dared the children to “catch me if you can”.
The Frosty Homecoming Day and Parade are currently planned for Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Sunday of Thanksgiving. The fun-filled family event starts at noon, the parade is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be followed by the annual holiday lighting ceremony and sing-along at the Gazebo in Wampus Brook Park.
You do not want to miss this Fantastic Frosty Fun! And true to his word, “I’ll be back again some day.”
