BUFFALO, N.Y. — Every year one Upstate New York City is recognized for its snowfall. The prize is the Golden Snowball Trophy.
The most frequent winner in recent years has been Syracuse.
Last winter Buffalo won the Golden Snowball with a total of 118.5 inches of snowfall. Syracuse had 115 inches of snow for the season in comparison.
Despite Buffalo having more snow, the trophy is still in Syracuse.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said that he is not interested in the trophy. 2 On Your Side reached out to him Friday morning, and a representative from his office explained that the mayor does not see the contest as a "real contest."
Mayor Brown's representative further elaborated that no one can control Mother Nature, and therefore a prize for the most snowfall is not a real prize.
Mayor Brown reportedly would willingly accept a prize for Buffalo's ability to persevere during heavy snowfall. He would also gladly accept a prize for neighbors helping each other during a snowstorm.
2 On Your Side also reached out on Friday to the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, whose office sent the following statement:
A representative from the City of Syracuse has proactively been in contact with staff from the City of Buffalo. All of the conversations have been courteous. Buffalo’s wishes in regards to the trophy have been shared, understood and respected.