Bay City-area teams were among the competitors at Snowfest 2024

Local competitors were among the snow carvers at Zehnders Snowfest 2024 held late in January in Frankenmuth.

By
●
General
●
February 1, 2024
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Ashley Brown – Tom Gillman, Jacob Gillman, and Bryce Martin have entered the competition several years in a row.
Ashley Brown – Tom Gillman, a Bay City native, carves with chainsaws all year. Every winter, though, he uses hand tools to carve snow..
Ashley Brown – The team of Tom Gillman, Jacob Gillman, and Bryce Martin created a singing, guitar-playing frog from their block of snow.
Ashley Brown – Bay City Central High School entered two teams into the annual competition.
Ashley Brown – Art teacher Howard McLean poses with the two Bay City Central High School teams at Snowfest 2024.
Ashley Brown – One of the teams representing Bay City Central High School at Snowfest 2024 was comprised entirely of foreign exchange students.
Ashley Brown – Route Bay City photographer Ashley Brown was part of a team including Joel Sentz, above, and Garrett Weslock. 
Ashley Brown – Garrett Weslock climbs a ladder to work on top of the sculpture.
Ashley Brown – Sean Gallagher, an instructor at Studio 23/The Arts Center and an art teacher at Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School, works on a sculpture.
Ashley Brown – The tools of the trade include carving implements as well as snowpants, hats, gloves, and other cold-weather gear.

Zehnders Snowfest 2024 in Frankenmuth celebrated ice and snow Jan. 24-28. This was the 33rd annual festival.

Snow carvers came from all over the world to compete in World Class Double and Single Block Snow Sculpting Championships.

Other divisions included the State of Michigan Snow Sculpting Competition; High School Snow Sculpting Competition; Multi-Block Ice Carving Exhibition; and Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving Challenge.

If you didn’t venture out to see the carvings in person, here are a few.

Author
Newsroom

With [X] years in digital journalism, [he/she/they] are committed to delivering high-quality, engaging stories. [Name] is passionate about innovation in media and fostering a collaborative editorial environment.

Related Articles
summer camp
2026 Summer Camps in the Great Lakes Bay Region: Fun, learning, and adventure for kids of all ages
By
●
General
●
March 19, 2026

Area summer camps are gearing up to offer everything from outdoor explorations and sports to arts, music, and STEM activities.

Celebration at Chippewa Nature Center honors winter solstice
By
●
Arts and Culture
●
December 24, 2025

Midland residents gathered at Chippewa Nature Center on Saturday, Dec. 20, to mark the winter solstice.

Statewide effort tackles postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders
By
●
General
●
December 11, 2025

One of every five* new mothers experiences perinatal mood disorders, but only a small number receive the help they need. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association is working to change that.

Our Partners

Midland County

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Great Lakes Bay region, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.