We are happy to report that the first round of Ice Carvers and Support Volunteers have arrived to begin the work of building the Ice Park for the 2020 World Ice Art Championships!
Work was a little slow to start, as last week Fairbanks temperatures sunk to -40F (-40C) . Here’s a little weather trivia. No matter how cold the ambient outside air is, pond ice remains a constant just below freezing while it is still on the pond. For that reason, it can be dangerous to harvest the large blocks of ice out of the pond when the weather drops to sub -20F (-29C) range. That sudden shock of extreme cold on a freshly cut block of ice being pulled from a pond, as it goes from +32F (0C) to extreme cold, can cause fractures and sometimes even catastrophic shattering of the blocks.
So, for that reason, the Crew have been keeping a close watch on this recent cold snap, and as soon as the temperature popped up into the single digits, they converged on the Pond, and began the task of cutting and pulling large blocks of ice. After three days, they successfully pulled about 200 blocks of ice 31” (79cm) thick from. The ice then rests for 24 hours to temper, cool down to the current ambient air, and then is transported to the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds, for the building of the Ice Park.
Meanwhile, our Bootcamp Carving Crew are laying out the plans for the Ice Park. So long as the weather stays in the -20F (-29C) or warmer range, they can make good progress constructing the attractions around the Grounds.
Speaking of Carvers, the competition slots have been filling up! So far we have confirmed 12 Multi Block Teams, 17 Two Block Teams, and 25 Single Block Contenders. Some familiar faces, some returning from years past, and some new contenders!
Next week, January 21, from 5:30 - 7:30, we will be hosting our Volunteer Kickoff Party at the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds. All Volunteers, Artists and Sponsors are invited to attend. So, come on down, meet some warm hearted folks and let’s build the 2020 World Ice Art Championships !
