Creatures Emerge From Frozen Blocks

Professional and amateur ice carvers from around the state took part in the at the 21st annual Chester Winter Carnivale ice carving competition Sunday, using chainsaws, chisels and fine drills to craft massive blocks of ice into beautifully translucent sculptures.

Students from Manchester Community College raced alongside professional ice carvers Richard Daly of Long Island, Matt Terzano of New Milford and Kirk Sato of Bristol in amateur and pro divisions — with members of each group vying for first prize.

Daly took first place for his Mythical Bird; Terzano second place for his Coral Reef, and Sato third for his Kissing Doves. Student carvers Sara Figuredo (Peacock) won first place, Marie McLeod (Ice-O-Saur) second and Crystal Cousins (Basket) third.
People's Choice Award went to Daly.

If you can't get enough of the art of ice carving, On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lyman Orchards Winterfest in Middlefield, five professionals (including Daly) will face off in the circus-themed "Ice Wars."

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.