2012 National Ice Carving Competition at Branson

By Max Barrett


The site for the 2012 National Ice Carving Competition has been recently established and it is none other than the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. Champs of the contest will visit the Russian city of Sochi, the site that the 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be held. All those drawn to ice carving will find this a fantastic chance to show off their talents. This can also be a great time for a regular holiday down at Branson considering the dramatic ice sculptures that you'll get to check out here.

About the Competition

As documented in this PRnewswire report, the National Ice Carving Competition Championship is certainly one of the most difficult competitions around the world. 3 premier champions are crowned at the end of this event and consequently bestowed the titles of Professional Division Champion (U.S.), Speed Carving Champion, and U.S. National Champion. The events will be held over two days in February of 2012 and the most skillful ice carvers in the US are expected to make an appearance here to join in the event. The event has been held since 1991 and from the year of its inception it has been a matter of great esteem for ice carving aficionados to win this national championship. The alluring prize money of $25,000 is certain to attract quite a crowd to Branson come February.

Event Schedule

The two day contest is going to have contestants operating in 2 divisions- the Master Division as well as the Professional Division. Those who are in the Master Division will work on 3 blocks of ice on the 1st day of the competition and one block on the second day. For the ice carvers in the Professional Division, 1 ice carving on the 1st day will be followed by 2 the following day. The participants can use numerous tools to develop their works of art including chisels, chainsaws, hot irons, blowtorches, knives and even drills. Each ice block will be measured and weighed prior to the participants begin working their wonders on them to make sure that all of them get the same essential materials from the beginning. NICA judges are going to be examining the work of various individuals over a pre determined set of criteria. These parameters include usage of ice, attention to detail, technical skill in addition to creativity. There are several components that will be judged within each parameter so the texture, effects, theme and also structural technique will be important. The champs are going to be chosen on the basis of the aggregation of the judges' views regarding their works.

The Venue - Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum, that is the venue for the competition, is readily acknowledged as one of the main draws in Branson and with valid reason. This museum is full of fascinating specifics of the ill fated liner and even offers some unique on- board experiences for tourists. For families with kids, there is a special 'Titanic for kids' tour that makes the vessel, its crew as well as its passengers come alive in an enthralling way.

Accommodations in Branson

The Falls Village, a bluegreen corporation vacation home is your best option for lodging when you pay a visit to Branson during the NICA event. The warm and friendly staff will guarantee that you feel right at home here while the ambience and kids friendly resort layout is just the thing to help to make your family getaway excellent. Spread out over two acres of greenery in the Ozark mountains, the Falls Village is the location for a truly rejuvenating holiday.




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