Snow Sculpture Contest

Team registration deadline: January 5
Carving begins: January 20 / Carving must be done by January 23 at 4 pm (May Change Due to Snow Conditions)
Each team is expected to create their sculpture within the specified dates. There is no restriction on what time of day the artists choose to work but it is encouraged that teams work during times when spectators are in the park.
Rules:
Sculptures must be made completely of snow and ice. No artificial materials or outside supports can be used in the construction other than food coloring, spray paint, or other temporary coloring.
All snow must come from designated snow gathering zones on site. Bringing in snow from off-site is prohibited. Shovels and essential hand tools are allowed.
The sculpture cannot be offensive or inappropriate and is non-political in nature. Family-friendly themes only. Sculptures are subject to event organizer approval.
Participants must safely and considerately share event spaces and snow gathering zones. No sabotaging of other sculptures.
No additional props, lighting, audio equipment, or special effects can be used unless pre-approved.
Each team must provide their own tools and equipment. Teams may design and use their own tools at their own risk and liability.​
Teams must submit their sculpture design/idea for approval when registering.
Grading:
Starting January 24, the sculptures' grading will be posted on Facebook or via signage in Central Park.
Best Overall Design/Sculpture- Rewards excellence across creativity, technique, visual impact, ambition, and theme execution. The sculpture wows from top to bottom.
This is our town- The sculpture captures the Owatonna community and our values.
Most Playful- Goes to the sculpture that impresses with its color, surprise, delight, and fun through whimsical interactions.
Important Things to Know:
Each competition team receives a block of compacted snow measuring eight feet long, eight feet wide, and six feet high (8' x 8' x 8'). Blocks are assigned by random drawing.
Compacted snow is heavy! One cubic foot (a square block that measures 1' x 1' x 1') weighs 15-20 pounds. Do not use your body to support, receive, or brace chunks that are falling from or being lowered down your sculpture! (Fun fact: The initial 8' x 8' x 8' block equals 512 cubic feet and weighs between 7,680 and 10,240 pounds. That’s 4-5 tons!)
The snow sculpture exhibition will take place in downtown Owatonna. Downtown Owatonna offers many places inviting places to warm up. Take time away from your sculpture to warm up, relax, chat with your fellow sculptors, and grab a bite to eat in downtown Owatonna.