Ice Cold Treat at the Ice Park
What an exciting evening! After a successful day at 'PolarTREC School', the other teachers and had the opportunity to go to the Fairbanks Ice Park and World Ice Art Championships. The championship is in its 22nd year.
Ice Park
With excitement, I entered the Ice Park through a magnificent Ice Castle, seemingly protected by a Grizzly Bear at its entrance. I purchased my ticket and went inside.
Grizzly standing guard at entrance of Ice Park
Kids Park
To the left of the entrance was the 'kids park' - a winter wonderland of ice sculptures. Along the walking path were ice slides, ice tunnels, igloos and of course plenty of picture taking opportunities with ice Eskimos and a variety of ice animals.
Alex as an Ice Eskimo
Adult Slide
The multicolored Ice Slide brought out my competitive spirit. Although it appears I placed third in today's competition - I had great fun!
Placing third in the Ice Slide competition
World Ice Art Championships
After having fun at the Ice Park - I decided to meander toward the Ice Carving area.
Nick-named the 'Arctic Diamond', this event is the largest ice sculpting event with carvers participating from all over the word. I attended the 'Single Block Classic' where each artist team transformed a single block of ice - 5'x8'x3' and weighing 7,800 lbs - into masterful works of art.
As I walked along the wooded path, I caught a glimpse of each of the 49 incredibly talented sculpture teams participating in this year's event. The competition was still and the artist teams were exceptionally creative. It would be difficult to judge such an event - but if I were asked, I would have awarded 'blue ribbons' to two incredible artists. Here is a glimpse of their worksc in progress.
Incredible Ice sculpture of a mask - Wow
Abstract Ice Sculpture