Families looking to have a blast this winter without taxing the family budget can do so at the largest free family winter event in Southeastern Michigan, the 27th annual Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular on January 23, 24 and 25 in beautiful downtown Plymouth.
The event is unparallel in its scope and entertainment value. Unlike other events, visitors can watch the cravers create their ephemeral works of art as well as stroll along and enjoy 100 finished sculptures. Professional cravers from as far away as Japan will demonstrate their skills. There are also carvers from high school and universities representing many of SE Michigan’s schools.
The event runs all weekend long in Kellogg Park and downtown Plymouth. It is free and open at all hours. Downtown Plymouth is transformed as hundreds of thousands of pounds of ice delivered in mammoth 330 pound blocks take shape through the weekend. Ice carvings are lighted at night.
Carvings and demonstrations take place during daytime hours. A variety of parking options are available throughout the downtown for free and for a fee. For updates, the public may call (734) 453 1540 or visit plymouthice.com. A complete list of events follows.
Among the highlights of the weekend is watching the professional carvers, especially the professional teams of local and Japanese carvers with international award credits. They create structures as large as 90 blocks.
On Saturday January 24 between 11:30-1:30 families will enjoy the Radio Disney Sing-Along and getting autographs from the The Plymouth Whalers players. There is also a master woodcarving group that carves and sells wood carvings during the event.
The official opening of the festival begins on Friday, January 23, with the placement of carvings in Kellogg Park and around downtown at sponsoring merchants, and the opening of the “Grand Sponsor Displays” on Main Street. That evening the sculptures will be lighted for the first time and the competitions commence at 3:00 pm with the High School Individuals competitions.
As in years past, the festival features professional and student carvers working throughout the weekend on displays and exhibition/demonstration carvings.
The college and high school team and individual competitions take place all weekend. Participating schools are: Henry Ford CC, Macomb CC and Oakland CC, University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Schoolcraft CC and Washtenaw CC, Romulus High School and Oakland Tech – Southwest Campus.
The event is produced by WattsUp Inc. with support from HAP Health Alliance Plan.
Media only seeking interviews, artwork or onsite broadcasts may contact Melissa Bunker at (313) 886-9074. Updated information is available at plymouthice.com. A complete schedule www.wattsupinc.com
