Snow Fest ’07
Rexburg’s sixth annual SnowFest is becoming a tradition to bring the community together
This year marked the sixth year for Rexburg’s celebration of the winter white stuff, SnowFest.
Smith Park bustled with many people set to enjoy the festivities held in the cold weather conditions on Saturday. A variety of activities offered fun and entertainment for winter enthusiasts of all ages.
For many people, this was not their first year attending SnowFest. Sandy Spitz of St. Anthony has been bringing her kids to SnowFest for years. Spitz stood at the bottom of the mountain of snow watching her children play on their sleds and enjoyed their interaction with new playmates. My kids get to play here with a large group of other kids,
said Spitz.
Children also participated in snowball wars, ice bowling and a snowball gallery, where they were allowed to toss snowballs at targets in a mock Western shootout. Families received free hot chocolate and bread, and rides in horse-drawn carts and sleighs around the park.
The Polar Bear Swim was a real ice breaker as those who dared jumped into the freezing waters. Participants of the swim were admitted into the Polar Bear Club and received a free club hat.
Lamar Sanford traveled all the way from Jacksonville, Fla., to spend time with his friends and found himself enjoying his first SnowFest ever. Sanford said that his favorite part of SnowFest was the camaraderie
he experienced with his friends.
In the middle of all the excitement, ice sculptor Jeff Veil provided a bit of tranquility in his art. Veil guided his chain saw through a solid block of ice and pieces fell away to reveal a translucent lighthouse. Veil has been ice sculpting for 13 years. I love to see people enjoy the creations,
Veil said.
Jack Bowman, SnowFest organizer and Rexburg parks, recreation and arts director, said,We are one community in eastern Idaho who really loves snow.
