Teams carve ice sculptures at 32nd annual Medina Ice Festival

MEDINA — Spectators watched artists carve intricate ice sculptures throughout Uptown Park on the third day of the 32nd annual Medina Ice Festival on Sunday. Elegant Ice Creations hosts the four-day ice festival and creates the ice sculptures that line the walkways of the square. Guests can still walk the pathways today to see ice sculptures including a very large bald eagle that was created to commemorate America's 250th birthday. The individual ice carving competition took place Saturday, while the team competition happened Sunday. Ted Wakar and Jim Bur Jr. on Team Frozen Images participated in Sunday's event. The pair are from eastern Michigan with Bur living in Royal Oak, and Wakar in Van Buren. "I went to school to be a chef, and it's a little extra tool in your bag to be able to say you can do ice sculptures," Wakar said. "Jim (Bur Jr.) is my brother-in-law, and since I was doing events, he would come and help me. I had all the equipment, so he started carving. He went to school for automotive design, so some of our artistic endeavors complement one another." The piece they created Sunday was called "Forward Motion," which resembled a hood ornament, Wakar said. "We're trying to represent speed," he said. "We've got a human form, but it's going to be a little bit edgy and softer, rather than natural looking. It's kind of a wheel to signify motion." Wakar said he started attending the festival around 10 years ago. He and Bur have secured wins both together and separately. "I've always had a good time here," he said. "The atmosphere has always been pleasant. It's a nice venue with nice people. It's similar to an event near us. It's just good, warm and welcoming." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.