All over Bear River Thursday people were rolling and patting, carving and shaving, colouring and shaping.
A dozen snow artists got an early start on their entries for the snow sculpture contest for the fifth annual Bear River Winter Carnival.
Frank and June Hewey of Greenland put about 12 hours over two days into their eight-foot sculpture entitled "The Queen". The Hewey's won a first place ribbon last year for Elvis.
"I really enjoy doing it," said June Thursday. "Especially if people are getting some pleasure out of it. It's fun."
This year the Heweys started out trying to sculpt Marilyn Munroe but ran into trouble when they went to make her skirt flip up.
Daughter April suggested their sculpture looked more like the Queen. And since it's the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Greenlanders set about making a few modifications.
With the lack of proper snow this year, the Heweys have been preparing snow in buckets-first spraying the buckets with Pledge, adding water to the snow and stirring to get the right consistency before packing it into shape.
Frank prepared the head separate from the body and added it on last. The Queen's fine jewelry comes from Frenchies and the Dollar Store. As of Thursday they still had some final touches to make-like the lettering on the Queen's sash.
Over on Riverview Road, Janet and Shirley Isles had prepared the base for their sculpture, and a large bowl and even larger bottle of wine. Some more decorations are ready in the freezer but the women were coy about what exactly their sculpture would portray.
Shirley says the work away slowly, often making little adjustments-what she calls tiddyfying-as they go. The Isles also had a first place ribbon last year.
Bonnie MacLeod brought in snow with a pick-up for her two penguins by the post office.
"We've never had this little snow," said MacLeod. "Last year the crazy carpet castle could hold eight people on top."
Still several of the shops downtown had sculptures in front and there were several more on the waterfront behind the Legion.
LOTS OF EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
An ice candle contest was held on the waterfront Thursday night.
Friday night there's a variety show at the Rebekah Music Hall at 7:30.
Saturday morning there's a children's snow sculpting event, a possible cross country ski trip; Saturday afternoon there's an empty open house at the Oakdene Centre in the new museum premises, there's a maple syrup snow sucker stand, a roast beef dinner, fireworks and a cabin fever fiddle festival.
Sunday there's a possible seven lake cross country ski and ATV/ snowmobile follow me run, a 5 km walk or run, a cooking competition and the award's ceremony.
And much more. For details check out the schedule on www.bearriver.ca [http://bearriver.ca/bear-river-winter-carnival-schedule-feb-8-13-2011/ ].
There is a map in the Cherry Brook Convenience store showing the way to the entries in the snow sculpting contest.
jriley@digbycourier.ca
