Minnesotans LOVE being outdoors for every season, so what do we do for fun when the temperature is well below zero? We host the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. The 2019 event runs from Friday, January 25 to Sunday, February 3, 2019 (9 AM to 9 PM) or until they collapse.
TIP: Come after sunset, finished sculptures are lit after dark.
This yearly event is held at the Vulcan Snow Park on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The snow park has three main areas you will want to visit, the competition area, the amateur contest area and the sled hill.
FUN FACT: Each competition sculpting team is made up of 3 people and begin with an 8′ x 8′ x 8′ block of compressed snow.
Making of the block / Snow Stomp 2019
We wanted to visit the event while the sculptors were busy at work so we could learn how they create some amazing works of art that will only last a few weeks. It was interesting to see that some artists used clay models, while others used plastic toys and models. We also learned that only hand tools are allowed during the competition.
TIP: Check out the Vulcan Snow Park Facebook page to see the finished sculptures and vote for your favorite!
Teams were made up of both seasoned artists and first timers. Was interesting to the team to see the variety of sculptures, some of our favorites were “Snow Bank” by Team Sparkle (Giant Piggy bank), “Found in Space” by Locally Grown (Giant robot with a dog) and “In the Beginning…” by Artistically Challenged (The original block of snow).
FUN FACT: The sculptors commented that working with hard packed snow is a lot like working with plaster.
After viewing the sculptures, be sure to take a ride down the snow slide! Tickets need to be purchased for the snow slide ($2 for one ride and $15 for an all-day pass). If you bring a food item to be donated to second harvest HEARTLAND, you can take a free ride.
TIP: Bring 10 pounds of food to be entered for a chance to win a 4 hour Vulcan fire truck ride for 20 people! More information
QUESTION: What is your families favorite Winter Carnival type event to attend each year?
