In February 1973, Pensacola experienced a rare snow event, prompting the Vann siblings to venture outside and create a snowman, reminiscent of winter fun typically seen in northern states. The siblings—Curtis, Mickey, Jessie, and Jimmy—were thrilled, marking an unforgettable moment in their childhood. Their joy was amplified when a photographer from the Pensacola News Journal captured their picture, which made its way to newspapers in New Jersey.
Curtis Vann, reflecting on that day from his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recalled, “I was 13, my sister was 11, and my brothers were 8 and 6. We were so elated. Snow didn’t happen in Pensacola. We had never seen it before; we were living the dream.” He humorously noted how they meticulously crafted their snowman, which was adorned with raisins for eyes and a sailor’s hat, although their initial nose—a hotdog—was promptly eaten by their grandmother’s dog.
While the snow in 1973 was memorable, it wasn’t the heaviest snowfall on record for Pensacola. That title belongs to a snowstorm on March 6, 1954, which blanketed the city with 2.3 inches of snow. Interestingly, 1977 holds the record for the highest yearly total with two separate snowfalls accumulating a combined 2.5 inches. Historical accounts detail how residents struggled to cope with the atypical weather, leading to numerous minor vehicle accidents and power outages.
The area’s history with snow dates even further back to December 5, 1886, when a storm brought 1.5 inches and culminated in a playful snowball fight involving rambunctious young men known as “b’hoys.”
As Pensacola braces for more snow conditions today, residents are excitedly planning activities, from snowball fights to sledding, reminiscent of past winters. The community’s engagement during these rare winter weather events highlights a spirited and hopeful attitude, bringing together people in the midst of an unusual climate occurrence.
Snow photos from the current events are encouraged to be shared for a sense of collective community experience as people in Pensacola embrace this rare moment with enthusiasm.