Every holiday season, in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan our community generally hosts a festival of lights which includes a parade. Also included each year are ice sculptures that are carved by local artists in Mill Race Park. The ice sculptures in downtown Battle 
Creek are more than just a tradition they are a symbol to many that the holidays are here.
Thus, as you can see many of the carvings are Christmas theme related in some fashion. This year was no exception. I went downtown yesterday on Christmas Eve to take these photos, and although there were fewer this year than in recent years, they were very beautiful.
It might amaze some from warmer climates that these sculptures were carved outdoors, two weeks ago, and they are still in perfect condition. That is because out constant outdoor
temperatures here in Battle Creek have been in a constant range between 20 to 25 degrees.
When I lived in Atlanta many years ago, these sculptures would have last just a few days as the temperatures tended to fluctuate in that climate. Here in Michigan, these outdoor ice sculptures will often remain in good condition until March or April, unless some kids come by to knock them over.
Occasionally during the season we will get a warm snap that will take outdoor temperatures above freezing enough to melt these as well, but not often. Ice tends to hold its shape longer than snow sculptures like snowmen. Part of the attraction of the ice sculptures in downtown Battle Creek is also the display of holiday lighting set up in the park that is used to back light them, and accentuate them with some colors and flashes.
These can be a lot of fun to see, and one particular on this year was carved to that you could place your head on top of the toy soldier and take a photo opportunity. So if you are in the Southwest Michigan area during the holidays, take a drive and see the ice sculptures in downtown Battle Creek. As a local Realtor, this is one of the great cultural features I enjoy about Battle Creek.
Looking for Southwest Michigan Real Estate? Just Call Michael!
He is your key to the best homes in the region!
2010 'REALTOR OF THE YEAR'
For the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors
Copyright © Photos and Content by Michael Delaware REALTOR® All Rights Reserved
Read these eBooks written by Michael Delaware:
(Click on these cover images to order!)
To see more of Michael's eBooks click here!
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain
May your day be filled with warmth & peace with your family Michael...Merry Christmas ...congrats also on your award!
Best wishes for lots of fun and food with family and friends today. Hope Santa brought you some cool toys, too
Great photos Michael!
Happy new year!
Such an impressive talent...I love to watch ice sculptors at work. We recently saw a demonstration pool side on a cruise.
That is really amazing
Hope you have a wonderful end of 2010
your friend in Charlottesville