Here’s a bit of information that hasn’t even shown up on Ice Alaska’s website yet (at least as I write this): the Ice Alaska Ice Park is apparently saved! I called Ice Alaska chairman Dick Brickley the other night to see what the status of the park was now that the Alaskan Legislative session was over. He was in a very good mood and informed me that the 2011 World Ice Art Championships are a go and that they are already accepting applications. They only have 40 single block team spots and 25 multi-block team spots, so if you’re interested in going, make sure you get your application in as soon as possible. There are already a few spots filled. I don’t have the exact dates, but the Championships typically are held at the end of February through the beginning of March. As the Ice Alaska website hasn’t been updated yet with application links, etc., you’ll need to contact Ice Alaska directly to apply for now.

    Here’s what happened with the park’s status. The Fairbanks North Star Borough, which had previously adopted a resolution petitioning the Alaska Legislature to transfer the Ice Park land from the Alaska Railroad to the borough, has stepped in and is dealing with the railroad on Ice Alaska’s behalf. They’ve come to an agreement for next year and are working to come to a permanent agreement where the park land would be transferred to the borough so that the Ice Art Championships can be developed and expanded. It makes a lot of sense for the borough to be directly involved in this issue because Fairbanks is the major beneficiary of the economic impact generated by the Championships. A recent article in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner gives many of the details and confirms that the 2011 event will go forward.

    In addition, Ice Alaska has already chosen the theme for next year. Each year a different theme is chosen for the Championships and there is a contest to come up with the pin design. Next year’s theme is “Dream Big.” This seems especially appropriate now, as it looks like the future for the Championships is bright and Ice Alaska perhaps can really start dreaming of bigger and better things!

    You might also find photos and info from this entry on the ice carving secrets facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!