It’s a beautiful day in Fairbanks. The sun is shining and it’s around -2 degrees. Come spend some time at the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds, marvel at the completed and judged Multi-Block sculptures and watch the Double Block carvers work on the ice for their competition.
The woods once again are a beehive of activity. Blocks are being positioned, designs are being imprinted onto the blocks and carving has begun for the Double Block Competition which will end on Tuesday, the 25th at 9:00PM. Other than a lot of blocks of ice, the only thing I recognized on my walk about today was an angel wing. It won’t be long before all the blocks will be recognizable as these talented artists perform their magic.
There are fourteen all American teams. There are two teams from Latvia and three teams from the Russian Federation. One team represents The Philippines and Canada. One team represents the United States and Japan and there is one team that represents the United States and Russia. There is one team representing The Netherlands and Germany.
I have seen the sketches the artists have submitted and I must say, they are most delightful. I can only imagine how these sketches will transform into ice. The title for one is “When Pigs Fly” and another is “Butterflies are Free to Fly”. More titles to come later, all just as enchanting. The sketches show a lion, a ballerina, some insects, a dragon, lots of flowers, the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland, a cat and some acrobats. The entire field of sculptures sounds like a Wonderland.
Be sure to try out the ice slides when you come. They are nice and slippery. Also, a word of caution, please. When you come to see the sculptures, please stay behind the blue lines and do not touch any of the sculptures. The blue ropes are placed there for a reason, for your protection. Ice is heavy, ice can break and can cause serious injury if it collapses on you. Thank you. Come enjoy this amazing spectacle.
