CAMDEN — Registrations are open for the Maine state snow sculpting competition, the only nationally-sanctioned event in the state. The snow sculpting competition is a highlight of the Camden's annual 9-day Winterfest celebration, culminating in the US National Toboggan Championships. The snow sculpting event is held Jan. 30-31. Participants are urged to sign up for the weekend of sculpting, either for the chance to win the local People's Choice Award, or for the chance to go to the Nationals in Wisconsin in 2017.

Starting Saturday, Jan. 30, teams of sculptors will use tools and their best creativity to sculpt 8-foot snow blocks into artistic forms of whimsy through the weekend. Snow sculptures will be judged at noon Sunday, Jan. 31. and will remain in place at the town's Village Green through Camden's weeklong Winterfest, known as "Maine's Mardi Gras." extending to Feb. 7.

Winners of this year's competition will represent the State of Maine in the 2017 U.S. National snow sculpting championship competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. All expenses for the trip are courtesy of the event.

"It's such an honor to compete for Maine on the national stage," commented 2015 state winner, Amanda Bolduc in a news release. "It's amazing to see the reactions of spectators, and the creations of all the competitors are spectacular. "Bolduc and her team leave for the U.S. National snow sculpting competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on Feb. 2.

For the registration form: facebook.com/events/1004756639641596/. Submit the form to register for the 2nd Annual Maine state snow sculpting competition. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 24. Questions about registering and/or competing should be addressed to karen@camdenmaine.gov.