Local ice sculptors notch another Winter Carnival win

Greg Schmotzer and Chris Swarbrick repeated as winners of the multiblock ice sculpture competition at the St. Paul Winter Carnival, and Schmotzer retained championship status in the individual block sculpture as well.

Schmotzer, a Red Wing native and chef at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Swarbrick, owner of Ice Occasions in Ellsworth, carved an underwater fantasy they titled "The Pearl." It was complete with a shipwreck and a mermaid diving for a large pearl.

First place brought them a $3,000 prize. Teams carved Thursday through Saturday morning, when judging took place.

Second place went to "King Boreas' Three-Ring Circus" and third place to "Where's Frank?"

In the individual block contest, Schmotzer won the $750 prize in the professional division with "Waiting for Lunch," and Swarbrick took third place and $250 with "Cutting Edge." Second place went to "Vision."

Carving and judging both took place on Sunday.

Ice statues remain on display in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul, although Monday's warm weather was expected to seriously diminish the ice sculptures.

Local snow carvers also placed well over the weekend. Tim Trost of rural Goodhue and teammates Jared Trost and Jim Krueger placed third with "Dream Hunt," which consisted of a tepee, buffalo and person. Their prize was $300.

First prize went to "Rocket Man" and second prize to "I'm Telling Mom." Trost's team won the Artist's Choice Award trophy. Judging took place Sunday.

The snow sculptures, which also may be diminished by warm weather, remain on display at Cooper and Randall streets on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Tags: community, st, winter, carnival, ice, sculpting