Competitions
How does all this happen? Who started it?
Fran Volz, a sculptor from Arlington Heights formed Snow Visions, Inc. in 2004. He modeled this new snow event after competitions known around the country. John Brankin and Deneen Babin are the other partners with Snow Visions.
The first event was held in Jan, 2005. The site was at the Atrium Corporate Center in Rolling Meadows. Fourteen adult teams and six local High Schools competed. Teams came from Alaska, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Here's how the event transpires. First snow is made with special machinery compliments of Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park, located in Algonquin, IL.
Then a giant plywood box is filled. Once it's pulled away, ten foot tall blocks of snow are left for carving the masterpieces. (Each block weighs 2-1/2 tons!)
Then......
(Click on the photo)