Jaynee Titanic's First Class Maid, with beautiful ice sculpure.*
BRANSON, Mo. “The annual ice carving competition at the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction (Titanic) is always an exciting event,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “but the recent announcement by the Titanic makes its 6th Annual event even more exciting.” Titanic owner John Joslyn, announced that this year’s competition will determine the National Ice Carving Association’s (NICA) National Champion.
“Thirty of the U.S. National Ice Carving Association’s champion Ice Carvers are coming to Branson to blast, drill and torch three-hundred pound chunks of ice into amazing works of art starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s outdoor entertainment area, announces Titanic owner, John Joslyn.
“This marks the first-time ever that the NICA has chosen the city of Branson for its annual world-class championship competition and it promises to be the biggest and best in the Association’s 25-year history. The two-day family event will be hosted by the Titanic Museum Attraction and is FREE to the public.”
Johnson explains that it will be an exciting and competitive event as the 30 Master Carvers perform their artistry on multiple three hundred pound blocks of ice, competing against each other and the clock over the two day event. On the first day each carver must carve three blocks of ice within six hours and, on the second day, one block within three hours. There is a first place cash prize of $2,400 for the winner of each separate day with a $1,000 bonus and the title of “NCIA National Champion” going to the Master Carver having the highest overall point total over the two day competition.
“There will be a speed carving competition at the end of each day,” Johnson continued. “The carvers will be limited in the number of “tools” they use, have 15 minutes to complete their work and will be competing for cash prizes and the title of ‘National Speed Carving Champion.’”
“Due to anticipated interest, visitors are advised to arrive early for the best views to watch all of the ice carving action. ‘Last year’s regional-only competition at the Titanic Museum Attraction drew more than 10,000 people. This year, the NICA is projecting a 15,000 to 20,000 visitor turnout for the grand Nationals,’ says John Joslyn, owner of Titanic Museum Attraction. …’At 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5, an official National Ice Carving Association judging panel will announce the winners, so stick around to see if your favorite carver is among them,’ adds Joslyn.”
Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the Titanic Museum Attraction will be open throughout the event. For tickets or additional information about the Titanic or the ice carving event or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
*Photo courtesy of Titanic Museum Attraction
