With about thirty hours left until the horn blows at 9PM Saturday night, the multi-block carvers are in the home stretch, the final part of their competition. There is almost a feeling of calm as you walk through the Enchanted Forest. Sculptors are busy fine tuning and working on the intricate details that give their carvings the breathtaking wow factor you expect. Now by tomorrow the atmosphere may revert back to frenzy for the ultimate home stretch. Just for fun, I heard that one team fixes all their meals right on site so if they want to, they can work 24/7.

Tomorrow, Saturday, begins a brand-new feature here at Ice Alaska. There is going to be a Family Snow Sculpture Competition. There are five spots for families of four to carve a sculpture out of a block of snow 4’x4’x6’. They will have a safety briefing before they begin. No power tools will be allowed, but the professional carvers here are offering use of their tools as well as their advice and suggestions. The competition will be held for two days, from 10AM to 6PM. If you would like to participate, fill out an application on the IceAlaska.org website. If you would like to watch, stop by the Fairgrounds this weekend.