Wild day of ice sculpting in Itasca

The Edgecombe family was one of many who had a blast at the mini ice sculpture station during Spring Brook Nature Center's Winterfest in Itasca Sunday.

Darrin and Tammi Edgecombe of Itasca watched and helped their three boys sculpt different items.

Liam, 8, was making an alligator. Sam, 7, wasn't sure what he was making but chipped at the ice with enthusiasm. Will, 5, was the most excited.

"I'm making an eagle," he said. "It's hard."

Ice sculptures remained hot items throughout the afternoon as the station remained crowded with people and flying ice chips. The Winterfest also featured creatures, critters, flying falcons and horse-drawn rides.

Nature Center Director Fred Maier said this year's theme was a wild winter, which is why various animals, including snakes, were available for people to check out.

"We're focusing on the diversity of species that are around and on the animals this year," he said.

Ryan Jastrzab, superintendent of recreation for Itasca Park District, had a great time at Winterfest.

"The weather's perfect--it's nice and cold like it should be," he said. "Families coming down and having fun is what this is all about."

Sue and Thomas Bosshart of Itasca brought their children, Madelyn, 5, and Thomas, 3. Sue Bosshart said her kids liked watching, petting and learning about the chinchilla the most.

"They were enjoying that chinchilla an awful lot, and so was I," she said.

Madelyn liked observing the chinchilla roll around in volcanic dust--his version of a shower.

Tom Reed of Addison brought his great-granddaughter Makena, 2, to the event, which has been around for about two decades.

"We wanted to bring her to see the horses and the animals," Reed said.