Just Add Ice
Michiganders like their chips off the cold block —– along
with chainsaws, torches and razor-sharp chisels.
By Lisa M. Jensen

Sparkling sculptures of myriad size punctuate city sidewalks and green spaces gone white in the Mitten. Choose from carving fests state-wide: Each, like these, offers its own cool vibe.

Bay Harbor Ice & Snow Festival. Both amateur and professional divisions compete come January in this NICA-sanctioned event while Bay Harbor’s unique scenic backdrop also becomes one of 14 stops in a Tour of Champions traveling through the U.S. and Canada. Visitors will also revel in snowboard/ski aerial acrobatic shows, “"live" sculptures and an array of other winter activities, including sled dog musher rides (www.bayharbor.com).

Hunter Ice Festival, Niles. Every January, Niles pays tribute to the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company (sold in 1924) by showcasing more than 150 sculptures carved by artisans near and far. Activities range from ice bowling and ice ping pong to a timed sculpting contest sanctioned by the National Carving Association (NICA).

Hunter Ice Festival

In 2011, Hunter's Ice Fest (www.ci.niles.mi.us) drew 15,000 visitors to the town of 12,000 residents. Neighboring St. Joseph hosts its own Magical Ice Carving Festival Feb. 10-12 (www.sjtoday.org).

Plymouth Ice Festival. This expansive winter celebration showcases far more than 100 works of countless carvers from high schools through professional ranks; a Sculpture Garden; Dueling Chainsaws; judged competition and plenty else to savor and see including sled races, live entertainment and interactive exhibits (www.plymouthicefestival.org).

Downtown Holland Ice Scultping Competition

Zehnder's Snowfest, Frankenmuth. Attended by professional ice and snow carvers from around the world, Zehnder's Snowfest has been one of North America’s top sculpting events for two decades. The Snowfest also plays host to both the National Collegiate Ice Carving Championship and High School Snow Sculpting Competition (www.zehnders.com).

Downtown Holland Ice Sculpting Competition. At the end of Downtown Holland's merry-festive Dutch WinterFest in January, the NICA-sanctioned Collegiate Invitational Ice Sculpting Competition draws talented students from across the Midwest to transform 300-pound ice blocks into glistening works of art using torches, chainsaws and other tools (www.downtownhollandice.com).

Lisa M. Jensen is editor of Michigan BLUE. To find more regional ice-carving festivals and other special events around the state, turn to BLUE’s Winter Issue 2011-2012 Excursions on page 45.