Jeff Stahl and Matt Williams of Artic Diamond plan to demonstrate their skills at IceFest. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        HAMILTON — The self-proclaimed “City of Sculpture” is at it again. To prove that this art form is way cool, Hamilton has invited champion ice carvers from around the country to participate Jan. 24 in its first IceFest.

        The event will be part competition, part art show and part winter carnival, organizers say.

        It's taking shape under the guidance of two professional ice carvers, Jeff Stahl and Matt Williams, both of Forest Park, who appear professionally as Artic Diamond. The two will compete in next month's Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

        “The owners of Artic Diamond approached me, probably about six months ago, about our sponsoring an ice sculpture competition,“ said Debra Bridge of the Greater Hamilton Convention and Visitors Bureau.

        Ms. Bridge referred the idea to Hamilton's City of Sculpture Board.

IF YOU GO

• What: City of Sculpture IceFest.   • When: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday.   • Where: Courthouse Square and Journal Square, downtown Hamilton.   • Admission: Free.   • Information: 844-8080.

        “At first we thought it was too late for us to try and do anything this year,” said board chair Gerry Hammond. “But then we felt like we had to do it this year, before another community snapped it up. It's the perfect fit with Hamilton's being the City of Sculpture.“

        Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and the Downtown Hamilton Street Improvement District stepped in as underwriters. About 30 local businesses have anted up to sponsor a carving, with sizes designed to suit any budget.

        “The "ice chip' is a block of ice 40 inches by 20 inches by 20 inches,” Ms. Hammond said. “An "ice cube' is two blocks of that size. An "iceberg' is four blocks. Then we have the glacier, which is a LOT of blocks and costs $2,500 to sponsor. For businesses that can't afford all that much, they can make a donation to a "slush fund,' which will sponsor a carving.”

        All participating sculptors and judges are certified members of the National Ice Carvers Association, which allows IceFest to be a sanctioned event.

        Music, food, trolley rides and children's activities will be featured during this giant block party.

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