Spring Break in Fairbanks

Atmau Travelers

 

We had two days for Spring Break this year, and I was able to get to Fairbanks for their World Class Ice Sculpture Contest with a group of 20 somethings. They do keep busy at that age....

To my surprise several of the competitors were chefs and there is a circuit of these competitions world wide.

 I am standing by the single block of ice that is used in one category of sculptures, 3'x3'x5'. The multi-block competition could use as many of these as they needed. This ice is pristine and is known for being able to read a newspaper through 48" of it.

We went in during the day while they were still constructing the larger sculptures, but came back at night to see them done and all lit up.

Had to try it out....

These fellows along with the fish were a putt putt miniature golf activity.

This was the opening to a giant maze. The littler kids had a ball running among the ice walls trying to find their way out.

They had these great bowls carved out of ice that we could sit in and spin. Eli thinks he can fit.....

This was an entrance to the multi-block sculptures.

This was soon to be a giant wave overtaking a group of paddlers in a boat (still covered).

This became the first place finisher.

There was this great "log" cabin set up. There was a carved husky howling out front, had to go under a huge burled arch, and could have a seat at the table.

The following photos are of the single block competition. They were completed the week before and had already been judged.

This was the meteor that raced into Russia awhile back. It had ice people in its path on the ground. Rather chilling.....

They said they switch on and off at will.....

Note the title: Shard - onnay

Giant whale bowl

Ice skating rink

We went back later in the evening for the multi-block competition and light show.

We noticed that the lights shining brought out parts of the sculptures that we hadn't noticed before, like the baby in the womb.

This big guy had a bumble bee stinging him on his backside.

This fellow lost his front leg as the sun warmed up the day and several joints were lost, just slid off.