The theme for the 4th annual Ice Festival was "Story Time. Spectators armed with cameras crowded the streets to watch as the ice carvers wielded chainsaws and carving tools to create their masterpieces.
I spoke to Ice sculpturer Tom Barlow of The Thomas Barlow Affair and learned that he had been ice carving for close to 20 years. Thomas is an international competitor in Ice, Sand, and Wood carving and believe me it showed. For this year theme "Story Time", Tom was carving a scene straight out of Star Wars, it was truly a work of art.
It's amazing to watch all these talented artists as they transform myth and fairytales into reality for both young and old to enjoy and marvel at. One of my favorites was watching a DJ spin his music out of an ice booth. I'm already looking forward to next years festival!
The Ice Festival on YouTube By:Bla102
At an elevation of 9,494 feet, Cripple Creek sits near the base of Pikes Peak. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning vistas. It was Colorado's Gold Rush days that put Cripple Creek on the map, when over a hundred years ago people came in search of gold. Today, the area boasts several museums that visually shows you the history of those early mining days. If you are a modern day fortune hunter you can try your luck at more than a dozen casinos in the area.
Cripple Creek hosts not only an annual Ice Festival but also the famous Donkey Derby Days, a July 4th celebration and a Gold Camp Christmas.. There is also the Butte Opera House where musicals, melodramas and comedies are held throughtout most of the year.
The towns Bennet street is filled with retaurants and shops that caters to residents and tourists alike. Cripple Creek offers gold mine tours, a narrow gauge railroad and scenic drives. A varity of logding awaits visitors from beautiful bed and breakfasts to historic inns.
So whether visiting for the day or a weekend there is plenty of High Altitude Fun to be found.
A list of Cripple Creek Casinos can be found HERE