It wasn’t his dream job, but it was close enough. Kyle Lambert first took the job because he considered himself a people-person with a lot of spirit.

“What other job do you get to stand outside to yell and wave at every single person for 10 hours”, Kyle said, “I don’t have a boss looking right over my shoulder, I would get a tan if it were summer and the fresh air is ok, when it’s above zero”.

This time of year, you’ll see them on many street corners waving down cars with a grin, barely missing a single opportunity to make eye contact and spread tax-time cheer. Yes, it’s an advertising ploy, but since this tax-prep service first began their marketing campaign in 2002, people have grown to see these creepy living statues as the "rite of tax time".

Larry Hrewinskiczek, a local pizza delivery driver travels past Kyle a few times an hour. “At first he was a little annoying. I mean, sometimes I just want to sit back and enjoy a smoke and some tunes on my way to deliver a 'za, but I started to feel like I needed to wave and smile back every time I pass. But then I found myself enjoying the interaction. Like I have a friend cheering me on as I drive. The statue guy actually knows my car now. Yesterday I did the “shave and a haircut” deal with my horn and he pumped his fist in response two times. I think I might have made a friend”.

Kyle has been picketing the highway four winter tax seasons now. He admits that it gets boring during the 5 morning hours, but drinks a lot of Dr. Peper and listens to his headphones to get him to evening rush. He considers himself a waving-veteran.

“I never miss a single car. My goal is to go home and tell my room mates about another perfect day. Sometimes you need to get both hands going to get drives in each direction. One time, there was a car hidden behind a passing semi. But, I got that driver in his rear view after passing. Close call! One time some high school kids tried to hit me with cans full of chew spit. They missed but I would have taken one for the country, so-to-speak” Kyle explained with enthusiasm. “The wind chills can be brutal. I’m out there in the coldest part of winter. There is little direct sunlight, the open roads don’t help the wind and my statue gown can get a little damp from road spray, but I sometimes start the day with 3 pairs of pants and remove them as I work up a sweat. It’s all part of the gig”.

These waving statues do work hard for their dollar. They certainly draw in attention and help generate business. And yes….those gowns, torches, flags and head band thingies are tax-deductible.

Stories I'm working on:

• Elderly Couple Confuse Primary Election Traffic for Bingo Night
• Study Show's 19.3% of Northfield Residents Unable to Properly Four Way Stop.
• Woodly Street Veteran Raises Money for Sixth Flag Pole in Front Yard.
• Bridge Square Popcorn Stand Haunted.
• Local Man Tries to Cope with Missing Scarlet Johannsen at Surprise Carleton Political Appearance.