Snow sculptors to return to compete in Mount Prospect

Mount Prospect will once again host the fourth annual Snow Visions Chicago Snow Sculpting Competition Feb. 8-10 at Randhurst Mall, with carving beginning earlier.

Come watch professional teams from Wisconsin, Illinois -- even Canada and Holland -- create 10-foot-tall snow sculptures.

The sculpting begins Feb. 6, and concludes on Sunday, Feb. 10.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Admission is free.

Teams start with a 2½-ton block of snow. They have four days to create their masterpieces -- all competing for a $1,500 grand prize.

Spectators can vote for their favorite piece on Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local high schools also compete in a separate category. And there will be a special "Media's Choice Award."

The award ceremony will be held inside Randhurst Mall at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Among other attractions are St. Bernard dogs on Feb. 9 and 10, courtesy of the Illinois St. Bernard Rescue Organization. You can also watch huskies pull a dog sled on Feb. 9, courtesy of the Free Spirit Siberian Rescue Organization.

The event is sponsored by Snow Visions, a not-for-profit organization.

For more information, visit their Web site: www.SnowVisions.com.

Village says thanks: The village of Mount Prospect is thanking all who signed up for the Experience Mount Prospect E-Newsletter, which showcases local happenings in the village.

Here are the prize winners among those who signed up:

Bev Zapfel of Mount Prospect -- Grand Prize Winner ($100 Chamber Gift Certificate donated by the village of Mount Prospect).

Tim Fulk of Mount Prospect -- $25 gift certificate to LePeep (donated by Norwood Builders).

Susan Ostrowski of Mount Prospect -- $25 gift certificate to Oberweis (donated by Norwood Builders).

Joe Capozziello of Schaumburg -- $25 gift certificate to Vino100 (donated by Norwood Builders).

Clemente Muniz of Mount Prospect -- $25 gift certificate to Caribou (donated by Norwood Builders).