FRANKENMUTH, Mich., Jan. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zehnder’s Snowfest returns January 24 through 29 with a full menu of ice and snow carving contests and exhibitions, live entertainment, and activities for all ages including a petting zoo, pony rides, a carousel and fireworks. The Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth is 90 miles north of Detroit and one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations.
“We are thankful for the hard work of our staff, community leaders, area business owners, sponsors and volunteers who have helped make Snowfest a success,” said Zehnder’s Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder. More than three million visitors have enjoyed Snowfest since it began in1992.
Tons of Fun
Huge blocks of snow are in place at Zehnder’s restaurant, Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn restaurant and Frankenmuth River Place waiting for up to 55 snow carving teams from around the world including Argentina, Canada and Mexico. Visitors can stroll the area to watch the progress and vote for their favorites. The snow art gallery will be a beautiful display of artistic and whimsical creations.
Competitions include: World Class Double and Single Block Snow Carving Championships; State of Michigan Snow Sculpting; Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving; High School Snow Sculpting; and The US National Collegiate Ice Carving teams will compete for scholarship awards.
In addition, more than 300 elementary students from area schools will create works of art from small blocks of snow during the week just for fun. One of the highlights of Snowfest will be the 100-block ice creation featuring a Bavarian-theme village with hidden gnomes along with the TV-5 news desk.
Enjoy the fruits of amateur bakers with tastings from the Zehnder’s Favorite Apple Recipe Contest on January 24 in the Warming Tent. Recipes will be available to the public. Contest categories this year are dessert, pasta and sandwiches. There is no admission fee.
Warm Up with Music
The Snowfest Warming Tent is a popular place to take off the chill and enjoy good music, food and beverages and snacks. This year US 338th Army bands will offer country, patriotic and pop music as part of the program. Country Night with WKCQ will offer music, dancing and a karaoke contest on January 26. Local rock bands will entertain on Classics Day, January 27. On January 28 enjoy music by the variety band CEXY.
Returning again is the fan favorite The Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan. The team will be on deck Friday, January 26 from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Zehnder’s Warming Tent. (Subject to change without notice; this is not an autograph event). Snowfest guests will have the opportunity to win prizes, view the 2017 Tiger highlight video and participate in a question and answer period with members of the team. Alan Trammel, a new Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer, is scheduled to join more than 20 Tiger players, coaches and staff.
Culinary Salute
The annual Chef’s Hot Food Competition on January 29 will be a Salute to the Windy City. Enjoy Chicago-style food prepared by local chefs and area culinary students. Tickets are $30 person and reservations are required by calling 800-863-7999, ext. 450. Net proceeds from the event are given to the East Side Soup Kitchen to help provide almost 400 dinners each day to children who may not otherwise have access to a nutritious dinner meal.
Something for Everyone
Families and friends, groups and winter enthusiasts can enjoy all the activities, competitions and exhibitions. Children can visit the petting zoo, take a pony ride or ride the carousel. Everyone can top off the 2018 Zehnder’s Snowfest by watching a spectacular fireworks display at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 29.
Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and enter the annual Snowfest Impressions photo contest to win great Zehnder’s prizes. Please note that the link to the contest page will go live on January 24, 2018. For more information and a complete schedule of Snowfest events, click here.
The Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, 90 miles north of Detroit, is one of the state’s top tourist destinations with more than 3 million visitors each year. In addition to its 1,500 seat restaurant Zehnder’s offers a marketplace, bakery and gift store, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth owns and operates Zehnder’s Splash Village and Waterpark, Zehnder’s Restaurant and retail marketplace, and the 18-hole championship golf course, The Fortress. Learn more about Zehnder’s at www.zehnders.com, or call 800-863-7999, for central reservations for dining, golf, meetings and lodging.
Contact: Linda Kelly
(800) 863-7999, ext. 415