OUR PLACE
Why were the roads not properly cleared after the last snowfall?
The Public Works Committee came and ended on Monday night. There was no real discussion about how effectively the department worked to get the snow from the city’s first real snowfall plowed and taken away, while at the same time, or shortly thereafter, splitting to go somewhere warmer and no doubt inside. The streets of Lake Geneva were left to be a mess, as the salt laid down earlier did its work and a slurry was created that moved from one part of the streets to another. What happened out there?
The Geneva Shore Reporters drive on those roads every day. Big Foot Beach, in particular, never was touched after day three following the big storm. It’s full of runnels and packed snow patches, slowing traffic and creating a hazard because, even traveling below the marked speed limit, steering control becomes a problem. Tom Earle has proven himself adept at fitting into his job, but his constant attention needs to be directed at so many complex problems that are set before him and then added to by problems that seem to come out of nowhere.
Mayor Mayor, in directing him in his duties wasn’t very helpful in declaring a snow emergency when there wasn’t one and then properly declaring an emergency when there was but not being on duty to stop the emergency declaration in time to save nearly a full business day for those have retail operations downtown. That wasn’t Tom’s fault but his influence in getting Mayor Mayor to do what needs to be done in areas where she has no clue continues to be vital to the community around him.
Spots are filling up fast so sign up now and get ready for a real winter adventure.
The Abominable Snow Race is great fun for the whole family. There are four adventures to choose from covering different age groups and ability levels. Fun for the whole family is for ages 4 and up, running just for fun is a 5 or 10k, go the distance is the 20k yeti challenge, or compete for cash prizes in the 10k elite.
This winter obstacle race takes place at the Lake Geneva Zipline and Adventure Park. Let a great winter adventure begin and choice spots are filling up fast. Registration right now at abominablesnowrace.com. All racers receive a Yeti Finisher’s medal, an Abominable t-shirt, and a Topsy Turvy craft beer or hot chocolate.
The Snow Sculpting Week is celebrated from January 31st to February 4, 2024.
Snow, with its ability to create a blank canvas for the world and sculptors, is both breathtaking and enchanting. The U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition was founded in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, over 20 years ago. With it came the establishment of U.S. Snow Sculpting Week, a tradition that is still observed here every year and is even spreading throughout the world to areas that are still under the grasp of winter during this time. Every year, thousands of artists gather to let their imaginations run wild and create incredible and temporary works of art out of nine-foot-tall and eight-foot blocks of snow. These artists’ work ranges from simple geometric shapes to intricate sculptures that straddle the line between realism and completely surreal.
Getting the snow ready for sculpting is a very delicate process. You need to wait for the proper temperature. Snow is pliable at a set temperature which holds it together and molds easily. If the temperature rises above 25ºF, your sculpture may melt. When the temperature falls below 20ºF, the snow becomes drier and more brittle, making it more difficult to work with. As the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States, Winterfest welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country. Witness 15 state-champion teams at work during an epic 3-day competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
Winterfest will also include Downtown Lake Geneva’s fifth annual Ice Sculpture Walk February 1- 4 during the Winterfest 2024 festivities! Just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more than 40 artfully crafted, Insta-worthy ice sculptures adorning the entrances to businesses throughout the Downtown district. The Riviera Beach will offer toasty bonfires, warm drinks, and thrilling entertainment on Friday and Saturday, February 2nd and 3rd 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There will be dazzling performances by Fox Valley Fire Arts at 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. each night.
