The competition was heating up as businesses and residents from the Pocono Mountains vied to take home one of the popular Snowmen of Stroudsburg that were up for auction.

 “We wanted to buy one so we can put it out every year. In fact, we bought another one for a second store we own. It’s all about supporting the downtown,” explained John Schnaitman of Schnaitman’s Flooring America.

Each of the 39 life-size sculptures were uniquely designed and hand-crafted by a local artist. When the snowmen grace downtown Stroudsburg every November-February, thousands of visitors come to snap selfies and search for their favorites.

An organization called Go Collaborative came up with the idea four years ago to generate business for the borough during an otherwise slow season.

The auction was organized to pay the artists for their hard work, and also make room for new designs.

Kyle Maloney showed PTN his interactive creation, Cogswell, which sold for the highest bid of $1,500. The post-apocalyptic, steampunk-inspired snowman is even battery powered to light up at night.

“Essentially he is made out of all different kinds of material including metal, which I like working with,” said Maloney.

Cogswell isn’t going far, and neither is his pal Mr. Penny Bags. Their new home is at Keller Williams Real Estate, Galligan Group on Main Street in Stroudsburg.

“We have suitcases ready for them, they are moving in,” exclaimed Amy Galligan.

Linda Butsch came and conquered for a Corgi snowman. “I am a corgi freak, I guess you would call it,” she said. “I have two corgis now, as a matter of fact. The snowman will look great in my backyard with all of my other corgi things until I can figure out where to put him in the house with all of my other corgi things!”

12 of the 39 snowmen sold at auction, generating over $7,000. Bids started at $500, which went directly to the artist. Anything above that was split with Go Collaborative. Those that didn’t sell will be back on display next season, along with new designs.

“I came to Stroudsburg in 1988 and it was a cool town back then. But it is a really cool town now, and cooler with the snowmen,” laughed Jane Machale.

And they won’t be melting, even in the summer sun.