Team Fjordwitches, composed of three talented women from Quebec, Canada, won the prestigious World Snow Sculpting Championship held from March 20 to March 23, 2024, in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. The trio—Fanny-Fay Tremblay-Girard, Joelle Gagnon, and Marie-Claude-Paris-Tanguay—impressed judges with their intricate sculpture titled “The Inosculation of Souls,” securing victory against 15 other international teams. Their achievement also earned them a prize of $1,500.
This marks a remarkable return for Fjordwitches, who previously claimed the championship title in 2024. In addition to their primary award, they also received the Artists’ Choice Award, which included a $500 prize. The competition saw fierce participation, with Team Falcon from Mongolia finishing in second place and winning $1,000, while Team Kawsay from Peru received the People’s Choice Award and a prize of $500 for their work.
Celebrating Creativity and Community
The competition, which attracted over 67,000 visitors, is a centerpiece of Stillwater’s World Snow Celebration, a week-long festival that features live music, food stalls, and various family-friendly activities. According to Robin Anthony-Evenson, president of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation, “These artists represent the very best of international snow sculpting. The championship brings global talent to Stillwater while creating a shared winter experience that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.”
The event not only showcases artistic talent but also fosters a sense of community among participants and visitors. Anthony-Evenson encouraged festival-goers to experience the sculptures up close and participate in the broader festival activities. The sculptures will remain on display in Lowell Park as long as weather conditions permit.
As the festival continues, attendees can look forward to additional events and enjoy the stunning artistry of snow sculptures crafted by talented individuals from around the world. For more information on the ongoing celebrations, interested parties can visit www.worldsnowcelebration.com. The championship event serves to highlight not just the skill of the artists but also the vibrant community spirit that defines Stillwater during this festive season.
