3rd annual Snow Days Chicago January 27, 2011

The snow will be made here in Chicago at Gateway Park at Navy Pier, but many of the teams of sculptors will hail from around the world.

Plans are being finalized for teams of artists from the U.S. as well as China, CANADA, Mexico, Bulgaria and Russia to sculpt in snow for the 3rd Annual Snow Days Chicago, January 28-30, 2011.

Sketches of the artists' plans will be posted on the event website, www.snowdayschicago.us and sculpting will begin two days prior to the festival on January 26. The snow sculpting portion of the festival is produced in conjunction with Snow Visions, Inc.

Other activities include Dog Sled Racing Demonstrations from Green Valley Dog Drivers, a Snowboard Rail Jam and family entertainment inside Navy Pier.

Last year's first place winning sculpting team, which created "Chinese Opera," will return from Harbin, China to provide an exhibition piece demonstrating the art of snow sculpting.

Festival hours are 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday (January 28, 29) and 11am-6pm on Sunday (January 30.)

Navy Pier offers special winter parking rates:

Before 5pm - $18; After 5pm - $10

The festival is free admission and is presented by the City of Chicago and Navy Pier.

Official Website: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/snow_days_chicago.html