On January 18, the International Snowmen Day was held in Irkutsk. In honor of this event snow sculpture contest took place in the city. A plenty of family teams participated in the contest.
This festival was founded by Cornelius Groetz, a collector from Germany whose snowmen collection was recorded in the Guinness Book.
Material for the sculptures was prepared in advance. Snow was put into special boxes where it became very solid. Each family could get advice of a professional sculptor. Participants’ imagination was boundless: they created a Pirate in a Cocked Hat, a charming Kotovik (snowcat) and many other amusing sculptures. Among the obvious favorites was Dad and Son sculpture. Winners were chosen by a competent jury, and there was also People's Choice Award which was based on Ice City guests’ votes. Therefore, chants and slogans were only encouraged.