I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, went to Breckenridge, Colorado on Thursday to see the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships.

We love this event in Breckenridge, Colorado

We went last year also, but this is one of our favorite events to visit.   We want to show you some of the snow sculptures we saw and admired.  Team Mongolia made “Nomadic Culture”.

“Nomadic Culture” by Team Mongolia

Mongolian herders roam from one place to another searching for high nutrient pasture land for the livestock.  The Mongolians typically roam with carts and camels.   Team Mongolia also sculpted “On the Way to the Dream”.

Team Mongolia, “On the Way to the Dream”

This illustrates the strength of nature shown by the thrusting natural wave powering the boat, captained by two indigenous people whose heritage and future wish is to preserve and sustain nature with the advances of new technology, demonstrating respect for the environment.    Team Ukraine presented “Doves of Peace”.

“Doves of Peace” by Team Ukraine.

Team Argentina created this sculpture “Don Quijote”.

Team Argentina’s “Don Quijote”

Don Quiote is a novel by Miguel de Cervantes.   This sculpture depicts Don Quijote on Roxinante, his trusty steed, with his loyal friend, Sancho Panza.   Team USA West Virginia, gives us “The Bear and The Fish”.

Team USA, West Virginia presents “The Bear and the Fish”

This is a polar bear balancing on a rogue ice cube while carefully studying a playful trout.   The trout was partially submersed under the water, with only his head and tail fin peaking out of the water.     Team USA Alaska presents “Cabin Fever: the Mad Trapper and the River.

Team USA, Alaska, with “Cabin Fever: The Mad Trapper and The River”

This was the winner of the Kid’s Choice voting.   Team China entered “Winter Fishing”

Team China with “Winter Fishing”

People from Heze Nationality, one of the Chinese minority, residing in Northeastern China, live on fishing during the winter. They still continue this tradition.   The first place sculpture was made by Team Lithuania.

First Place: Team Lithuania and “The Wind of Eternal Change”

The Wind of Eternal Change” focuses on water and the various forms of water.   The constant change is emphasized, and depicts life itself arriving from water and the survival of Noah’s ark.  Where will the wind of constant change lead this ark, our life, our humanity next?

Close up of the ark on winning snow sculpture

We really liked this piece from Kaiser Permanente Health Care.

By Kaiser Permanente. Fun for kids and ducks!

This is “Kids Interactive”.  This piece gives kids, and ducks, the opportunity interact with the art, be safe and have fun.   We saw these sculptures last Thursday and the judging was the previous Saturday.   You can see that our Colorado skies are bright blue and very clear with intense sun.   Of course, there was some melting.   If you did not see the snow sculptures this year, we hope you visit Breckenridge next year between January 26 and February 7, 2016 to enjoy the snow.   These sculptures are carved from block of snow, 10 feet by 10 feet and 12 feet tall.  The snow blocks weigh about 20 tons.   No power tools are allowed.   These are great!