
Photo courtesy of the Delmar Loop
Flux Infernos will perform at the Loop Ice Carnival this year.
It's not easy transforming a block of ice into an accurate likeness of Mark Twain. But that's just another day at the office for artist and Ice Visions owner David Van Camp. He starts with a 300-pound block of ice, then begins to carve away sections, typically completing a piece in about two hours.
His work will be on view this weekend at the 12th annual Loop Ice Carnival, one of St. Louis' most popular festivals. Ice Visions will be putting on four live carving demos just outside of Fitz's from noon to 4 p.m. on January 14.
Other activities available on Saturday include scavenger hunts, skateboarding, ice slides, and a zip line. The Zip Flyte zip line is 350 feet long and 32 feet tall. It's billed as the longest, tallest mobile zipline in the world, and offers fearless fliers an aerial view of the Ice Carnival for $10 a trip.
For those who want an overhead view without the adrenaline rush, the carnival is also featuring a Ferris wheel for the first time this year. Revelers can ride from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for $5 a turn. Those who arrive early can snag a s’more afterward.
The Flux Infernos, an entertainment group that mixes fire and ice during choreographed routines, will perform at the Market in the Loop from noon to 6 p.m. Their performances feature fire breathing, fire eating, flaming hula hoops, rope darts, meteor hammers, and more.
The festival kicks off on Friday, January 13 at 8 p.m. with an adults-only Snow Ball at the Moonrise Hotel’s Rooftop Bar and Twilight Room. Attendees will get a cup of “Moon Punch” and a drink ticket in exchange for a $5 donation or two non-perishable items for Operation Food Search. Saturday's activities begin at 10 a.m.
For a full list of events and additional details, visit the Delmar Loop's website.