Build it, and they will come.

The balmy weather [38 degrees] yesterday finally allowed my kids to build with snow. The thaw made the kind of snow that you can build a fierce igloo with, and so we did. Each year, we make changes to the design, correcting the previous years' flaws, and when the inners are now the shelter's outside walls, they crawl inside and smile wide with accomplishment. This Saturday, Feb. 14., igloo guru, Dr. Bert Yankielun will be at the Montshire Museum in Norwich, Vt. showing all guests how to construct the best igloos imaginable.

Using nothing but water and a handsaw, visitors will learn how to build an insulated igloo, strong enough to support the weight of a polar bear. Igloo Build is one of the longest running traditions at the Museum and is billed by Yankee Magazine this year as the number 1 way to have winter fun, and a "Top 10 Winter Event" for the whole family by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Yankielun is an engineer and author of the book, 'How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Structures.' He will teach you the structural secrets of building with snow, from making a snow angel to placing the final block on the dome, to sawing yourself out! Participants will also get to build their own igloo, and get the help they need to take that information home to impress the neighbors. The program runs on the condition of good snow cover, but some how I don't think it'll be a problem.

The Igloo Build is free with Museum admission and also kicks off a week of great programs scheduled for February vacation week. Visit online for more information.