Ice creations

Some estimated 200-plus braved frigid temperatures to witness the annual “fire in ice” bonfire Saturday evening on San Juan Avenue as a highlight of the ninth annual Rio Frio Ice Festival. Other weekend activities included an ice carousel and polar plunge at Blanca Vista Park, live ice sculpting, “superheroes” costume contest, Grub ‘n Pub, faux snowman contest and Sunday’s fourth annual Rio Frio 5k. Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny.

An estimated 200 people participated in the opening activities for the ninth annual Rio Frio Ice Fest, including the newest feature, an ice carousel cut into the pond at Blanca Vista Park and powered by a small electric trolling motor. As time wore on, water found its way onto the surface and made things a little slick. Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny. 

Dog sled rides were offered by the Colorado Animal Rescue Center (ARC) during the Ice Fest activities on Blanca Vista Park pond on Saturday, featuring Raven at tow with her unnamed handler. Enjoying the ride are Raelee Alonzo, Josh Cline and Samantha Cerny. Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny.

Appearing to “walk on water” with his GoPro in hand, a participant in Saturday’s polar plunge is about to find around three feet of water in the Blanca Vista Park pond just north of Alamosa. Alamosa Fire Department personnel in protective gear were ready to assist the 20-plus participants. Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny.

Mike Bickelhaupt of Denver's Colorado Ice Works transforms 2,100 pounds of ice into Superman outside of Narrow Gauge Newsstand on Jan. 27 for the Rio Frio Ice Fest. This was the company's fourth year in a row sculpting for ninth annual festival. Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.

 

Michael "Ski" Kowalski chisels away at Batman's cape outside of Oscar's Restaurant during the Rio Frio Ice Fest on Jan. 27. The sculptors spent their Saturday working on the likenesses of four superheroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Hulk. Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.

After a small mishap Jason Fellers pours water to reattach Wonder Woman's arm back into place on Jan. 27 during the Rio Frio Ice Fest. Unfortunately the sculpture fell over at the southwestern corner of Main Street and San Juan Avenue, shattering that afternoon. Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.

 

City Councilor Liz Thomas Hensley awards Caven Riggs, 9, the first place award for the superhero costume contest in the 10-and-under division during the Rio Frio Ice Fest on Jan. 27. Riggs was dressed as Joker from "Suicide Squad." Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.

Abby Wubben, 13, receives the first place award for the superhero costume contest in the 11-and-over division from City Councilor Liz Thomas Hensley during the Rio Frio Ice Fest on Jan. 27. Wubben was dressed as Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" franchise. Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.

Brittany Moore, dressed as Black Ice, shows off her outfit after coming in first place in the adult division for the superhero costume contest on Jan. 27 during the Rio Frio Ice Fest. There was a total of 40 contestants, with 34 of them competing in the 10-and-under division. Courier photo by Jefferson Geiger.