Illinois Snow Sculpting competition begins today at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford

Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The annual Illinois Snow Sculpting competition will get underway today as snow flurries fall over Sinnissippi Park.

This is the 39th year of the event. Sculptors have until 10 a.m. Saturday to finish their work for the public to view and judges to select winners. The awards ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sinnissippi Park, 1375 N. Second St.

“This competition is a winter tradition that brings smiles to faces of all ages, provides lots of opportunities for young sculptors to be mentored by experienced sculptors, builds community pride, brings people together, and helps residents and visitors enjoy life during the cold winter months,” Kellie Olivencia, Illinois Snow Sculpting competition coordinator, said in a news release.

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There are 12 teams competing for the right to advance to the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition, and 11 high school teams will participate in the high school division. High school teams sculpt from Thursday through Saturday.

Teams in the state competition have three sculptors, and high school teams have four. They may not use any power tools or pre-fabricated molds. Sculptors create their works of art by carving it out of blocks of snow with saws, ice chisels, shovels, axes, machetes and other hand-held tools.

The park district uses snow-making machines to build the 6-foot wide, 6-foot long and 10-foot tall blocks of snow for the statewide competition. Each block requires 2.5 tons of snow. High school teams compete with 4-foot long, 4-foot wide and 6-foot high blocks.

Viewing the sculptures

When: Daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 (sculptures are on display until they melt)

Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1375 N. Second St., Rockford

About: There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. Visitors may drive or walk through the park. Limited parking is available at Sinnissippi Park. Additional parking is available at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, just across North Second Street from the sculptures.

Judging and public vote

State teams are eligible to win the State of Illinois Champion’s award. There are also awards for second and third place, People’s Choice and Committee’s Choice. The winner of the state award earns the right to compete in the following year’s national competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

High school teams compete for first through third place, People’s Choice, Committee’s Choice, Artist’s Coice and the Linda K. White Spirit Award.

How to vote: You can cast their vote for the People’s Choice award between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday. The voting is done online only at www.ilsnowsclpting.com. Anyone who votes will be able to see the original artwork submitted and the finished sculpture before voting.