PLYMOUTH – The 25th anniversary of Michigan's largest ice show event will feature more than 100 statues carved from a single block of ice from Jan. 19-21 in downtown Plymouth.
Dozens of high school, community college, university and professional ice carvers will display dazzling statues from 330-pound blocks of ice for a special homecoming.
All past student and professional carvers who have carved in the last 25 years of the festivals are invited this year to "Come Home to Plymouth." Returning this year as well is a team of carvers from Japan who have garnered international awards.
Longstanding support of the event holds as carvers who have participated in the event while in high school or college often return as professional carvers and lend their expertise to the student carvers.
Student carvers learn the entire process, including how to safely use the chains saws, razor sharp chisels and blowtorches required in making the carvings.
High school and colleges with culinary instruction have always provided professional judges and teams and carvers to the festival. Carvers representing Schoolcraft College, Henry Ford Community College, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College and others will be in attendance.
Unlike other winter events, the visitors to Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular watch a carving from the very beginnings of stacking the ice blocks through the carving process to the finished work of ice art. The majority of the carving and the student competitions take place during the daylight hours for the pleasure and enjoyment of the audience.
The non-profit foundation ensures that the event is free to the public.
Fundraising efforts are currently underway. The entire community of Plymouth Community City and Township have supported the event, which has driven millions of visitors to the region over the past 25 years. Every dollar raised for the non-profit event is critical to the events scope.
People interested in participating or in making a donation should contact Michael Watts, Watts Up, Inc. at (734) 459 6969, ext. 1, or e-mail him at [email protected].
Ice carvers return for 25th anniversary
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