Winners announced in 40th Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Thirteen teams across Illinois came together for the annual snow sculpting competition in Rockford and a number of awards were given out on Saturday for the impressive collection.

Judges announced on Feb. 14, Windy City Snowmen won first place for their sculpture titled “Our Founding Father” and were awarded the State of Illinois Champion’s Award for best snow sculpture of the year.

Evaluation of the sculptures was done by sculptors themselves who awarded points for creativity, technique and message.

Second place was awarded to the team Snowbro Kai for their sculpture, “The Witch King”, and third place went to The Band of Misfit Boys for their creation called “Killer Whale.”

The public was also asked to share their opinion through a community vote for the People’s Choice award for best snow sculpture.

The snow creation titled “Creature from Snack Lagoon”, made by team Cave People From Space, won the People’s Choice award.

A Committee’s Choice Award was also given out for the committee’s favorite sculpture, which was given to The Snowbeards for their creation called “Rockford Pride.”

10 area high school teams also competed in the High School Division competition.

The first place winner of the high school competition was Byron High School’s sculpture, titled “Guardian of Innocence.”

Second place went to Rockford Lutheran for “Chicken of the Sea” and third place was awarded to Belvidere North High School for the sculpture “Monkey Business.”

The community voted Rockford Christian High School’s creation, called “Wrap Music”, for the People’s Choice award of the High School Division.

An Artist’s Choice award was given to “eXes and snOs” by students from Keith Country Day School and the Fred Gardner Award was awarded to Guilford High School for their sculpture, “Frostbite.”

Below is a gallery of the final sculptures in the High School Division of the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition.

Sculptures will remain up in Rockford’s Sinnissippi Park, 1375 N. Second St., for as long as weather conditions allow.