Zehnder's Snowfest Is a Flurry of Fun for 2012

FRANKENMUTH, MI--(Marketwire - Jan 16, 2012) - Entering its 21^st year celebrating winter in Michigan, Zehnder's Snowfest will roll out the white carpet with world class snow and college ice sculpture competitions, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and even a Jamaica-themed 9-hole Putt-Putt Golf Course with each hole featuring an ice carving. All activities are centered in the Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth, one of the state's top tourist destinations with more than 3 million visitors each year, just 90 miles north of Detroit

"We expect more than 150,000 visitors during the six-day event with just about every business in town participating. Downtown Frankenmuth will be filled with activity as world-class snow and ice sculptors craft amazing creations, some from two-ton blocks of solid-packed snow. It truly is a Pure Michigan winter celebration," said Zehnder's Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder.

Snow carving is 72-hour marathon January 25-27. World class teams will chip away at the huge blocks of snow as visitors watch the progress; public voting begins on the morning of January 26.

Things really get icy on Friday, January 27, when Ohio-based award-winning certified master ice sculptor Greg Butauski and his team finish a jungle-themed work of art from 100 blocks of ice. Snowfest visitors will also take in the U.S. National Collegiate Ice Carving Competition, State of Michigan Snow Sculpting competition, and a High School Snow Sculpture Contest to round out the outdoor gallery of ice and snow.

The Warming Tent is just the place to get a favorite hot or cold beverage and snacks with entertainment. The Warming Tent will feature the winners of the annual Michigan Best Apple Pie contest that will be judged and announced on January 25. Back by popular demand the 338th Army Band will be performing January 27 and 28. The band was originally formed in 1943 at Camp Siebert, Alabama as part of a support group for General Patton's 3rd Army in Europe.

Zehnder's Restaurant will be open the entire event and visitors can stop by Zehnder's Bakery for take home treats including the delicious coconut and chocolate cake Snowball confection. Snowfest is topped off with its annual winter fireworks display at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 28.

Zehnder's Snowfest concludes with the 20th Annual Chef's Hot Food Competition and Tasting Welcome to the Luau "A Culinary Salute to Hawaii" on January 30 at Zehnder's Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by the American Culinary Federation Flint/Saginaw Valley, tickets are $30.

For detailed information on Snowfest events go to www.zehnders.com or call 800-863-7999. Lodging packages are available at Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark located just one mile from downtown Frankenmuth and Snowfest activities.