Heading to the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford? Here's what to expect
If you think a giant armadillo on the side of the road in northern Illinois is an oddity, how about an armadillo driving a hot rod?
"Karmadillo" is the name of the unique snow sculpture being created by "Cave People From Space," a three-person team competing in the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition at Sinnissippi Park.
The sight of an armadillo behind the wheel of a car is the brainchild of team member Kyle Wolfe, a graphics design teacher at Roosevelt Community Education Center. He was in the park Thursday afternoon carving and molding a giant block snow into his creation.
"It's an armadillo tossing a banana and as a result of his actions, he's going to be slipping on an even bigger banana peel," Wolfe said. "That's the karma. That's why we call it 'Karmadillo.'"
Other members of the team include Kelly Madison and Brian Hierstein.
If you want to check out "Karmadillo" and the rest of the field, here's what you need to know about this weekend's competition.
More: 2023 Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition sculptures
What is the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition?
The Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is a family-friendly community winter event hosted by the Rockford Park District. Teams from around the state come to Rockford to compete for the right to represent Illinois the following year in the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition. There also is a high school division.
When does the event start?
Teams are already carving huge blocks of snow into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
How many people are on each team?
The state teams have three people, and it must be the same three from start to finish. The high school teams have four students and one adult advisor (who is not allowed to sculpt).
How big are the blocks of snow they start with?
The state team blocks are 6’ x 6’ x 10’ high. The high school blocks are 4’ x 4’ x 6’ high. State team sculptures may not expand beyond 12’ in diameter. There is no height limitation. High school team sculptures may not expand beyond 7’ in diameter, and height is also unlimited.
What kind of tools are used?
Axes, machetes, water buckets, shovels, ice chisels and homemade scraping tools are examples of tools used. The sculptors may not use any power tools or pre-fabricated molds.
How much time do they have to work on their sculptures?
State teams started Wednesday and have until 10 a.m. Saturday to finish. Some teams will work in the evening with portable lighting. The high school teams started at 10 a.m. Thursday.
When does the judging begin?
All votes cast for the People’s Choice Award in the state and high school divisions will be done online at tinyurl.com/3tjp3zbd. Votes will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday.
What do the teams win?
Trophies; there are no cash prizes. The team that wins first place earns the right to represent Illinois in the following year’s U.S. National competition.
What are the viewing hours?
Daily from sunrise until 10 p.m. You may drive or walk through. Sculptures will remain up in the park after the event for as long as weather conditions allow.
Where can I park?
Limited parking is available at Sinnissippi Park. Additional parking is available in the overflow parking lot at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., located just west of Sinnissippi Park.
Is there a fee for admission?
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Chris Green is a general assignment reporter for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and Twitter @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 2024 Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition underway in Rockford
