Ice Is Nice When It’s Sculpted Art

Alaska

More than 120 ice sculptors will gather March 7 to 18 in Fairbanks for the 2001 World Ice Art Championships, creating sculptures up to 30 feet tall. The intricate pieces will be lighted at a ceremony on March 18, and public viewing continues until the ice melts near the end of March. A kids’ park will have playground equipment constructed entirely of ice. Contact Ice Alaska, P.O. Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708; telephone (907) 451-8250, Internet https://www.icealaska.com.

Florida

Sanibel Island will host its 64th annual Sanibel Shell Fair from March 1 to 4. This is billed as the largest shell exhibit in the U.S., packed with specimens to admire and buy, plus arts and crafts. Sanibel is on the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers. Contact the Sanibel Community Assn., P.O. Box 76, Sanibel, FL 33957; tel. (941) 472-2155, https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.org.

Georgia

Savannah celebrates St. Patrick’s Day on the historic riverfront March 15 to 17. Highlights include nonstop entertainment and plenty of family-oriented activities: wall climbing, sumo wrestling, interactive games. Navy ships will line the Savannah River and offer free tours. Contact the Savannah Waterfront Assn., P.O. Box 572, Savannah, GA 31402; tel. (912) 234-0295, https://www.savriverstreet.com.

Louisiana

The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, March 28 to April 1, has evolved into a major writers’ conference as well as a tribute to the playwright. Along with the much-loved Stella and Stanley Shouting Contests there will be author talks, discussions and performances. Walking tours focus on Williams, jazz, African legacy, gay history and city scandals. Contact the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, 225 Baronne St., Suite 1712, New Orleans, LA 70112; tel. (504) 581-1144, https://www.tennesseewilliams.net.

Nebraska

Every spring, more than 500,000 sandhill cranes pause in their northward migration at the Platte River in central Nebraska. The Crane Watch, March 3 to April 8, offers trips to viewing blinds, self-guided tours, bike treks and trolley rides. Contact the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 607, Kearney, NE 68848; tel. (308) 237-3101, https://www.kearneycoc.org.

Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest annual indoor flower show in the world. This year’s, March 4 to 11, features more than 10 acres of blooms, a 125-vendor marketplace, demonstrations, lectures, exhibits and a garden designed by the Queen of England’s horticultural advisor, Penelope Hobhouse. Contact the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th St., Fifth Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103; tel. (215) 988-8776, https://www.theflowershow.com.

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