Ice, Ice, Baby. . . at the World Ice Art Championships
Well, not just ice any more. . . . It’s more like Stonehenge, and sled dog teams, and other animals and scenic depictions.
That’s what happens when you turn professional ice-sculptors loose on a huge block of ice.
You can see the process, as well as the results, at the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska, February 27th ““ March 25th.
The process all starts the same way, with large square blocks of solid ice. The results are as varied as they are spectacular, and represent the efforts of over 100 sculptors from around the world. By March 10th, all competition will be completed, with the sculptures lighted and on display.
To give you an idea of how much ice we’re talking about, teams (one or two persons) in the Single Block Classic competition starts with a 3 x 5 x 8 foot block of ice, weighing in at approximately 7,800 pounds. In the Multi-Block event, teams of 4 persons each start with 10 blocks of ice measuring 4 x 4 x 3 feet, with each block weighting around 3,000. That’s 30,000 pounds of ice!
The Ice Park is now open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, and the Single Block competition is complete and on display. You will also see an ice tribute to Susan Butcher, the famous Alaska dog musher and four-time winner of the Iditarod sled Dog Race.
Admission to the Ice Park is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. A season pass is available for $25 for adults and $10 for youth.
Depending on when you visit the Ice Park, you’ll see various stages of the competition or the completion of sculptures. You can find a full schedule here, but I wouldn’t get caught up in scheduling the “best” time to go. I’ve been through the Park during the championships many times over the years, and it doesn’t really matter when you go ““ there’s always something amazing being created. Although the weather in Fairbanks this time of year drops to ridiculously low temperatures at night, if you are able, dress warm, button up, and go through the exhibit at night. The lighting of the sculptures and park make for truly dramatic displays.
For those who are unable to visit the Ice Park to see these beautiful creations, enjoy the Web Cams and get a look at some great ice sculptures.
Photo credit: Ice Alaska
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