Tom Gillman, Jacob Gillman, and Bryce Martin have entered the competition several years in a row. Ashley Brown
Tom Gillman, a Bay City native, carves with chainsaws all year. Every winter, though, he uses hand tools to carve snow.. Ashley Brown
The team of Tom Gillman, Jacob Gillman, and Bryce Martin created a singing, guitar-playing frog from their block of snow. Ashley Brown
Bay City Central High School entered two teams into the annual competition. Ashley Brown
Art teacher Howard McLean poses with the two Bay City Central High School teams at Snowfest 2024. Ashley Brown
One of the teams representing Bay City Central High School at Snowfest 2024 was comprised entirely of foreign exchange students. Ashley Brown
Route Bay City photographer Ashley Brown was part of a team including Joel Sentz, above, and Garrett Weslock. Ashley Brown
Garrett Weslock climbs a ladder to work on top of the sculpture. Ashley Brown
Sean Gallagher, an instructor at Studio 23/The Arts Center and an art teacher at Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School, works on a sculpture. Ashley Brown
The tools of the trade include carving implements as well as snowpants, hats, gloves, and other cold-weather gear. Ashley Brown
Zehnders Snowfest 2024 in Frankenmuth celebrated ice and snow Jan. 24-28. This was the 33rd annual festival.
Snow carvers came from all over the world to compete in World Class Double and Single Block Snow Sculpting Championships.
Other divisions included the State of Michigan Snow Sculpting Competition; High School Snow Sculpting Competition; Multi-Block Ice Carving Exhibition; and Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving Challenge.
If you didn't venture out to see the carvings in person, here are a few.
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