Winter Carnival snow sculpture event at Silver Star Resort in 2023. (Photo credit: Wayne Emde/VWCS)

By Pete McIntyre

'tough decision'

Lack of snow forces change to Carnival’s snow sculpture event

Jan 31, 2024 | 10:42 AM

The mild weather has led to a major change with the Vernon Winter Carnival’s snow sculpture competition this weekend.

Organizers say the large snow blocks that the teams normally use are not feasible as there is not enough snow at Silver Star Mountain.

“In honouring the high level of sculpting and artistry that the sculpture competition offers, we have made the tough decision to change direction. We will be carving a series of ice-carvings done by Carvewel Creations throughout the village,” a news release from Carnival executive director Kris Fuller said.

There will be 10 (updated figure) carvings, done in Carnival’s games theme, in the resort village from Feb. 2-4. The carvings will also pay tribute to the sponsors: The Cooperators Insurance, The Arts Council of the North Okanagan, Tekmar, TMS:Transition Marketing Services and Vernon Winter Carnival.

Carnival director Roel Van de Crommenacker said it’s obviously disappointing to have to shift the focus of the event.

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“We’ve been in constant contact with SilverStar Mountain, watching the weather and trying to make it work. It was hard to tell the teams. They were all disappointed but understood, and they are all really keen to return next year when conditions are once again favourable,” Van de Crommenacker said.

The ice blocks are 10x20x40 inches and take approximately two hours each to carve.

Tyler Welfing, lead carver, is looking forward to the challenge of creating game-themed carvings.

There will still be a People’s Choice award ceremony at Silver Star Mountain on Sunday Feb. 4. The voting is from 10 – 11:45 a.m. and the winner will be announced at 12 p.m.