The awards have been announced for this year’s Festival of Ice, which took place Jan. 20 along Main Street and the Ice at Carter Green. Once again, a talented group of ice carvers from around the Midwest came to Carmel to showcase their skills.
(Standing, from left) Nancy Heck, City of Carmel Community Relations and Economic Development Director; Shannon Gerasimchik of New Bremen, Ohio; Ben Goebel of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; Stephan Koch of Daleville, Ind.; Matthew Stoddart of Nicholasville, Ky.; and Dan Rebholz of Addison, Ill. (Kneeling) Jim Houser of Huntington, Ind. (Photo provided by City of Carmel)
The Festival of Ice, along with this weekend’s Carmel Winter Games, provides Carmel residents and visitors something fun to do in the colder months. When properly dressed, outdoor events can be fun and refreshing and help participants beat the frosty doldrums. In addition, local shops and restaurants continue to benefit as the city programs events throughout winter.
On the final day of competition, a large crowd cheered as the half-dozen ice carvers competed head-to-head in a high speed carve-off at The Ice at Carter Green. From a goldfish jumping out of a fish bowl to an intricate butterfly to the Excalibur sword, spectators enjoyed watching the ice sculptures come to life.
The Speed Carving Awards went to Shannon Gerasimchik, first place; Dan Rebholz, second place; and Ben Goebel, third place.
Mark your calendars – next year’s Festival of Ice is scheduled for Jan. 19 to 21, 2024.