The Multi-Block competition is over. The award ceremony is tonight and we and the artists won't know until then who won. So what do the carvers do in the meantime? Many of them are spending the day at Chena Hot Springs, soaking in the waters from the sulphur springs.

There is one event happening right now. The Family Snow Sculpture Competition began yesterday and there is one family carving their piece. They have until six tonight to finish. There is another carver creating his snow masterpiece in the park right now. His name is Jim Warner. Jim has been carving ice for twenty years and is in charge of the Youth Competition, open to kids 13-18 years of age, that will take place during Spring Break. I talked to him for a bit today. He conducts the safety meeting for the family snow sculpture competitors prior to the event's start. He also is the advisor and mentor for the participants. He told me that even though he has been carving ice for twenty years, he has never carved a snow sculpture and now seemed the right time to attempt one. He is learning some of the tricks of the trade from Steve Cox, the carver responsible for several of the amazing snow sculptures around the park including the breathtaking Ice Alaska logo and the maternal Polar Bear with her cubs. Jim is carving a bear also  and I will check in later with him as he nears completion of his first ever snow sculpture. My guess is it will be a great success.

The Double Block begins on February 23rd, with ten teams competing. Tune in later for more information of the second of the Ice Carving Championships competition.