Our town managed to pull off their annual Ice Festival even though it has been a considerably warm winter! It is a weekend in which ice sculptors come from all over to demonstrate their creative skills. There is a competition in which the sculptors can win ribbons too. Many of the sculptors had to contend with the warm sun and some even shaded their sculptures with cardboard at certain points! Thankfully it was colder by Sunday and most of the sculptures held together, but by Monday there were 40 degree temperatures and sun by the afternoon. Some of the sculptures were starting to form icicles on them because of the melting ice and dripping! I just wanted to share some of the AWESOME sculptures that were created considering the warmer temperatures.
It was definitely a great experience to see the ice sculptors at work. C was fascinated with the variety of tools the artists were using: chain saws, sanders, brushes, and more!
There were many more sculptures. We enjoyed the festival and it was a great learning experience for C to watch how the sculptures were made! Hopefully next year will be colder for the Ice Festival!
It was definitely a great experience to see the ice sculptors at work. C was fascinated with the variety of tools the artists were using: chain saws, sanders, brushes, and more!
Here is just a sampling of some of the sculptures! A flying squirrel!
A fish that won a blue ribbon. Whenever we have gone to art shows C is fascinated with the ribbons. I try to explain to her that judges pick which ones win! I asked her which Ice sculptures she liked best and she said, "The ones with the ribbons!"
A bee which is our HS mascot!
A seahorse...which was another ribbon winner.
Not sure if this is Praying Mantis or what? It looks to be part something else.
Ironically, I got a shot of the moon sculpture at night!
The poor Moon sculpture fell over by Sunday morning! Unfortunately, this was a common sight at this years festival!
There were many more sculptures. We enjoyed the festival and it was a great learning experience for C to watch how the sculptures were made! Hopefully next year will be colder for the Ice Festival!
Do you have a Winter or Ice Festival where you live?
How has the weather been in your neck of the woods?
Wow what amazing sculptures – where do you live? I am always fascinated when they build the ice hotel in Sweden – the beauty of something so simple. We have had it pretty cold in central France – minus 17 degrees for about a week and not rising above freezing during the day, but now the weather has turned spring like and it is hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago it was so cold. I love days that are fresh and cold with bright blue skies – makes you feel so alive!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rae! We live in NE Ohio between Cleveland and Akron. THe ice hotel is amazing and I've seen photos of it before. It is amazing how mild the WInter has been everywhere! I kind of miss the bitter cold days and love those bright blue skies too!
DeleteHaha. Rae of Sunshine took the words right out of my mouth-amazing sculptures and where do you live! i would love to see an ice festival. i bet it's amazing every year. it doesn't get that cold here in california. thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos of some of the sculptures!
ReplyDeleteThe Ice Festival is amazing...especially when you can see the whole process of the carving and finish product! Thanks you..I really enjoyed taking the photos and have more on my Facebook page!
DeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteThis was great to see, these sculptures ARE amazing.
I'm glad you had some cooler temperatures for the festival.
Here we traditionally held a winter festival, with simple ice sculptures, and sled rides, a bonfire at night...but about 15 years ago it was too warm to hold, and somehow it never happened again, even though we certainly have had some very cold winters.
Thanks for visiting me and leaving your kind words today over at my blog.
I plan on reading and commenting :) here for along time.
BTW, I bought a salad spinner today and this week we'll be trying spin art...I think it will be fun!
Have a great week, Melissa.
All the best,
Brenda