So what DO cupcakes, dinosaurs, deep-sea divers, and VW bugs have in common? Well, if they’re in McCall, Idaho, they’re ice sculptures! After all, it’s Winter Carnival 2014, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
From McCall, Idaho website: mccallchamber.org/carnival_home.org
From what we had heard, McCall’s Winter Carnival is quite the destination with a Children’s Torchlight Parade, fireworks over Payette Lake, Mardi Gras parade, Beer Garden, Craft Faire & Chocolate, and ice sculptures strategically placed throughout McCall. Although the carnival festivities extended from January 24th to February 2nd, we didn’t arrive until February 5th. But we hoped to see the ice sculptures, even if they might appear a bit weather-worn.
We headed up Highway 55 in a blinding snow out of Boise thankful for the snowplow in front of us.
Traveling Hwy. 55 to McCall
But halfway there, blue skies appeared, and we had no trouble traveling the peaceful, winding way to Hotel McCall. (Folks had told us the drive was worth it! Right again.)
In the heart of McCall next to Payette Lake
The sculptures weren’t in their original pristine condition, but even with the ravages of children climbing the sculptures, winter sun smoothing out carefully crafted features, and tourists posing with the likes of ice cars and gnomes, the artwork had held up well. Quite well. So, here are our favorites. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Ice Sculptures — McCall, Idaho
Grand Prize Winner by Hunt Lodge
For more information:
McCall, Idaho — Winter Carnival 2014: http://mccallchamber.org/carnival_snow_sculpture.html
McCall, Idaho — Winter Carnival 2014: Events: http://mccallchamber.org/carnival_events.html
For more on our travels through the Inland Northwest, be sure to check out the Page called Inland Northwest at the top of this blog.
Tricia A. Mitchell
Love the ephemeral charm of the ice sculptures – especially the quirky gnomes!
Rusha Sams
We did too! Just wish we could have gotten there earlier to see them fresh; however, we could view them without all the crowds and parking problems. So, it’s a trade-off! Great experience — not many ice sculptures in Tennessee! Thanks for reading!
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FreeRangeCow
Careful not to let that dinosaur eat you, Rusha!