By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition at Sinnissippi Park has been postponed to mid-February due to warmer temperatures recently and in the forecast that hamper the Rockford Park District’s ability to make the large blocks of snow needed for the contest.
The competition was scheduled to take place Jan. 18-21, but it is now scheduled for Feb. 8-11.
“Warmer winter temperatures and recent rainy conditions have made it nearly impossible to make enough manmade snow for the competition to take place in January,” Kellie Olivencia, Illinois Snow Sculpting coordinator, said in a news release. “Making our own snow provides more pristine snow with a much better consistency for our sculptors to utilize, and some prefer it.”
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Since 2016, the district has relied on manmade snow instead of Mother Nature. However, consistent cold and low humidity is needed to make enough snow needed to create the 6-foot long, 6-foot wide and 10-foot tall blocks of snow for the competition. There were 11 teams that competed last year, and each block requires 2.5 tons of snow.
There were also 11 teams that competed in the high school division last year. Each high school competition block is 4-feet long, 4-feet wide and 6-feet tall.
“Over the years, we have also learned that manmade snow provides a better viewing experience for the community to enjoy these snow masterpieces,” Olivencia said. “We are optimistic that pushing the event back will allow for some colder weather to move into the area and give us enough time to make our own snow.”
The free event, which is entering its 37th year, has been postponed several times in the past and it has been outright cancelled on three occasions.
A trio of teachers with Rockford roots won last year’s competition with its creation “Antreader.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.