DOWAGIAC — Forestry clubs with Michigan State University and Ohio State University are returning to Dowagiac for Ice Time on Saturday, Feb. 3, as they demonstrate lumbering techniques that date back to the 1880s.

Now in its 22nd year, the winter arts festival of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce has been profiled as one of the many creative ways communities across the nation celebrate the bone-chilling months of winter.

Event chairman Kris Soenen said this is the fourth year for forestry students to join the hands-on action downtown, as ice carvers and culinary chefs rev up their electric and power gas tools to transform 10,000 pounds of glistening ice into life-size statues.  The winter arts event also features in-store events and activities for the full family.

“As a nod to the historic significance of Michigan’s lumber industry, the Timber Sports Demonstration will take place from 10 to 3 p.m. and be a friendly competition between Michigan State University and Ohio State University forestry clubs,” Soenen said.  “Held on Commercial Street, both male and female club members will demonstrate such skills as single bucksaw, double bucksaw, matchsplit and more.” 

Ice Time provides an opportunity for the students to practice their skills before they compete at Conclave, an intercollegiate competition in April, where forestry clubs compete in several different events, including the bucksaw and axe throwing, and log handling and tossing.

Major underwriters of the 2018 winter arts festival are: Clark Chapel / Starks Family Funeral Home, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Family Dentistry, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Lyons Industries and SEMCO.  Another 30 businesses have sponsored the single-block ice carvings that will line Front Street and the timed ice carve-off beginning at noon at Beckwith Park.

For a detailed schedule of events visit the Chamber’s Facebook page or its website, DowagiacChamber.com.