Will there be a new Tony Ottone Snow Sculpture Next Week?

So who is Tony Ottone and why is his front yard 50 foot long snow creation going somewhat viral? Ottone has been a life-long East Providence resident and a 1988 graduate of East Providence High School. Ottone and his wife Kayla and their children Jake, 17 and Aiden 12, live on Forbes Street in Riverside. "I've been doing the snow sculptures for like 15 years or so. I have built everything from snow monsters, to pirate ships, Star Wars characters and a giant sled luge in the past. I have always been creative and love art," Ottone told the Reporter in an interview. Ottone has lived on Forbes Street since June but has previously lived for 18 years in Riverside. "I figured this sculpture would get maximum exposure because of the traffic flow. I knew that my audience for the snow sculpting would be much larger on Forbes," he said. And Tony Ottone, or 'Snow-tone' as his friends are now calling him, was right. Cars have been driving by his house taking pictures and marveling at the 50 foot long snow sculpture he named BelichickasaurusRex, in honor of the New England Patriots. Even the eyes light up at night.

The social media comments have been overwhelming. "Holy cow! Congratulations Tony! So happy for you and glad I can say I knew you when!", kidded Stephanie Amaral. "It's nice to see good news instead of the usual news," posted Riverside Kitchen. Alexa Glover wrote, "Forbes street is officially on the map. From little ol' Rhody to Hawaii." Indeed, the Ottone Patriots sculpture has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, the Weather Channel and other news outlets. "My family thinks I'm kind of crazy, but they do help me with these projects," said Mr. Snow-tone. "My friends on Facebook send me pictures and ideas every year whenever it snows knowing that I'm going to create something. I can't believe the BelichickasaurusRex has gotten national coverage and has been shown on the news nationwide and the weather channel, even CNN has contacted me. I hope it's shown during the Super Bowl. That would be great," added Ottone.

When not making giant snow creatures, Ottone has been an upholsterer for over 25 years. He is involved in many Riverside and other city activities and has been on the Carousel commission. With a forecast of possibly another foot of snow for Super Bowl night into Monday, Tony Ottone and family are planning a new snow project. "Keep an eye out for the next creation. It's top-secret," he chided. "I have been contacted by a few local businesses to do creations on their property so you never know where I could pop up. GO PATS, and of course GO TOWNIES," said Ottone with a wink of the eye.

Although Ottone won't divulge his next snow creation which could come early next week, the Reporter is working on it! A coffee milk and three hot wieners will be awarded to the first "source" who contacts us with a correct tip on the next Tony Snow-tone creation. Until then, East Providence and maybe the nation awaits impatiently.