“Snowflake, snowflake
Floating on downSnowflake, snowflake
Drifting through townSnowflake, snowflake”

It’s a balmy 10 degrees in Fairbanks today and the snow is lightly falling, covering the ice sculptures with a fine dusting. The Enchanted Forest is full of visitors, taking pictures of the almost finished Single Block entries in the competition that ends at 9:00PM tonight.

The sculptures are, indeed, nearing completion. Yesterday they were unrecognizable. Today they are turning into beautiful creations. Two of my favorites are being carved by Steve and Heather Brice. Steve’s piece is titled 50/50 in 20/20. It reminds me of the gymnasts dancing with ribbons at the Olympics. It is so fluid and graceful. Heather’s sculpture is titled On Guard and it is a magnificent Sea Horse, so crystal clear you can see right through it. Another beautiful one is called Captivating by Stephen Dean. It is a carving of a fish captured by a jelly fish. The detail of the piece is amazing.

Many of the sculptures are of animals. There is a bee entitled Bee Cool. There is a praying mantis entitled Kung Fu Mantis. Both of these are fun and whimsical. In addition, there are eagles, panthers, butterflies, egrets and bears. Junichi Nakamura’s sculptures are always graceful and delicate and his wild cat in the Single Block will be breathtaking. 

The Single Block ends tonight. The sculptures are beautiful. Come see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. Awards ceremony is tomorrow.