
The 2011 Snow Sculpture in the Dark in Loveland, Colorado will run December 5-10. An updated blog about the event will be posted on Nov. 18. In the meantime, go here for details.
While at downtown Loveland’s Winter Walk today I came across some ice sculptures in the making. Witnessing art being made is fascinating to me, especially since I have a hard time drawing stick figures, so of course I stopped and watched.
It turns out this was a preview of something much, much bigger. Downtown Loveland, Colorado is going to play host to Sculpture in the Dark, a snow sculpture competition, and street festival. The event starts with the closure of a few downtown streets on Wednesday, Dec. 8, so that the five snow sculpting teams can get started. The event culminates on Saturday with the announcement of the ice sculpture winning team and lots of other activities.
This festival makes a lot of sense because Loveland is already known for it’s sculpture, with Benson Sculpture Park, an internationally renowned sculpture show each summer, and dozens of sculptors and artists calling the area home.
Be sure to get downtown to vote for you favorite between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, December 10. Stay downtown for Night on the Town, Loveland’s second Friday art walk. The festival draws to a close after the Parade of Lights through downtown Loveland on Saturday evening.

There are lots of other activities on tap for this event including wagon rides with Santa, musical entertainment, a live nativity scene and more. For the entire line-up including times and locations go to Engaging Loveland.
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Clarification: This event is snow sculpture, not ice.
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This is great! What a fantastic event. Can’t wait. Mayor, can you give any local NoCO Christmas Day event or activity options please? E.g. something to do after our afternoon feast.
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Hi Leslie,
If there’s snow on the ground, and I hope there is, might I recommend sledding?
Read this excerpt from Rocky Mountain Parent Magazine:
Fossil Creek Community Park
With what feels like the highest point on the south side of Fort Collins, sledding at Fossil Creek at 5281 South Lemay Avenue offers 360 degree views of the surrounding developments. Why go there? It’s a steep, manmade hill on the south side of town. Take Fido and enjoy the dog park, play roller hockey on the outdoor rink, or burn off energy at the fossil-themed playground. For more information visit http://fcgov.com/parks/fossil-creek.php.
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I am interested in Snow Sculpture In The Dark and am trying to get a vendor application but have not located where I may get information. Can you please direct me to who I may contact. Thank you for your time in advance. Bunny Burns
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Hi Bunny
I just sent you an email
Kristine
Engaging Loveland
970-980-4764
Thanks
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Hi, Kristine!
We vended last year and had so much fun, we’d love to do it again this year. Can you send me any info we need to apply, please?
Thanks for putting on such a great unique event!
Dharma Fuller
BTS Chocolates
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Hi Dharma,
Please contact Kristine through Engaging Loveland.
http://www.engagingloveland.org/
Thank you!
~Heidi, the Mayor