Thousands of people gathered under the big white tents on the parking lot of the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction for an historic area event this weekend.   The Branson Titanic hosted the 2012 National Ice Carving Championship, which included 30 of the U.S. National Ice Carving Association’s Champion Ice Carvers. 

The 300 pounds of frozen water turned into red hot pieces of artistic creativity in a fierce battle of talent, luck, the elements, strength and determination.  Audiences of all ages were amazed by the carvers’ abilities to literally bring the hunks of ice to life.

The city of Branson was awarded the championship site over dozens of potential, and wishful, cities across the country.  For onlookers, it is an incredible opportunity to see world class ice sculptors in the heat of battle.  For those wielding the chain saws, hot irons, dremels and blow torches, there is an impressive $25,000 prize purse, the largest in NICA history, and the possibility of representing the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.

Local residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction outdoor entertainment venue to watch the competitors through Sunday afternoon.  The outdoor event is free to the public.  The 2012 National Ice Carving Championship will conclude on Sunday at 3:00 pm when an official National Ice Carving Association judging panel announces the winners.