The Ice Sculpture Festival
1Every winter, the town of Cedar Hill holds a seasonal festival in the park. The main activity is ice carving. This year, Leah went with her grandfather, who is a sculptor. He has been carving ice for many years.
2When they arrived, the temperature was well below freezing. Big blocks of clear ice lined the path. Grandpa chose a block and ran his gloved hand over it. "Every block has its own texture," he said. "I have to feel it before I carve." Then he picked up a chisel and began to shape a creature with wings.
3Leah watched as the creature slowly appeared. First came a long, curved neck. Then came two wide wings. "Is it a goose?" Leah asked. "Close," Grandpa said with a smile. "It's a swan." Leah took a picture of every step.
4Many visitors stopped to watch. One sculptor carved a castle. Another made a mixture of snow and water to stick two blocks together. At night, colored lights glowed under the sculptures. "Electricity makes them shine," Grandpa explained.
5At the end of the festival, the judges gave out the final awards. Grandpa's swan won a special prize for the most original sculpture. Leah gave him a big hug. "Someday I want to be a sculptor too," she said. "That sounds like a fine future," Grandpa said.