Titanic's Ice Carving Competition Brings Chills & Thrills to Amateurs & Pros

By Jon Hoffman Whether you're a history buff or not, you've surely heard the tale of the unsinkable ship that sank at the hands of an iceberg one fateful night. The irony of the Titanic Museum's ice carving competition won't be lost on you. On January 14th in Pigeon Forge, TN, you can witness amateurs and pros alike turn enormous blocks of ice into stunning works of art. Enchanting Ice Sculptures Captivate Your Imagination There’s a lot more to ice than the cubes used to cool your summertime lemonade, as the artists at Titanic’s 2nd Annual Professional Ice Carving Competition will show you. Starting with crystal-clear blocks weighing 250 pounds, these talented professionals create detailed designs depicting fantasy creatures, nature scenes, and even famous people. The event begins at 9am on January 14, 2012, and artists have just 6 hours to complete their masterpieces. You’ll watch as they turn shapeless chunks of ice into amazing sculptures that would be at home in any museum collection. You’ll also be on hand to witness the disappointment when one misplaced tap of the chisel destroys work that took hours to complete. At the end of the day, the sculptures are judged by officials representing the National Ice Carving Association. Artists – both professional and amateur – are awarded cash prizes for their efforts. You’ll definitely want to stick around for the judging to see if your favorites are among the winners. Thinking of trying your hand at a little ice sculpting? Titanic Museum’s Ice Carving Competition offers plenty of learning opportunities as well as entertainment. Not only will you watch professionals in action, but you’ll be able to get up close to see how intricate designs come together, and even chat with the artists as they transform shapeless blocks into delightful scenes. More to See at Titanic Museum of Pigeon Forge Stepping inside the Titanic Museum is like stepping aboard her namesake. You’ll stand beneath a stunning glass dome and even climb the grand staircase leading to the first-class decks. A peek inside both first-class and third-class cabins offers a glimpse at what life was like for these very different groups of people who all travelled together. In addition, you’ll see hundreds of priceless artifacts rescued from the sinking ship by her survivors. Young and old alike will be fascinated with the rich history depicted in this 30,000-square-foot monument to one of the 20th century’s greatest disasters. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in Pigeon Forge this winter, Titanic Museum is a great choice. Plenty of family fun against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains will ensure lots of happy memories of your cold-weather vacation.