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Eagle River, Wisconsin's annual ice castle
"I'll bet there've been a million pictures taken of people in front of and around the ice palace," echoed Weber. "I wish I had stock in a film company."
There have been weddings, or post-wedding pictures, taken at the ice palace, too. Recently, a travel journalist, known for his first-person reports, asked to stay overnight at the castle to get the flavor for his story. But it is, after all, only a structure, with no inner chambers.
"It sure brings a lot of wonderful notoriety to the area," said Weber. "People just love it, and so do we."
In addition to all the volunteer time, costs involved erecting the ice castle including the need to upgrade and maintain the equipment, replace bulbs, pay for the gasoline, etc.," Weber said.
Many local businesses donate money, and support, providing breakfasts, lunches, cocoa, soups, sandwiches, and candy for the volunteers. There's also a donation box and descriptive information at the back of the structure for locals and visitors who want to show appreciation and support.
Depending on the weather, the Ice Castle normally stands until late February, when the remains are taken down.
"We want folks to visit our wonderful community, but it's a lot more than that," said Chamber of Commerce head, Conrad "Connie" Heeg on the castle's impact on Eagle River. "How can you measure the joy of wide-eyed kids and adults watching the ice being cut and hauled using the old equipment, and volunteers building this ice castle, by hand; and then stepping back to see this huge, utterly beautiful, and artistic ice structure?"
"The feel of the whole thing is special. It's the community working as one -- and untold thousands of visitors can enjoy it,' Heeg said. "There are some things that money can't buy. And the Eagle River Ice Palace is one of them."
And Eagle River's Annual Ice Castle is only one special thing about Eagle River, which is also the official Snowmobile Capital of the world.
Special winter events in Eagle River include the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby, the Annual Ride with the Champs, the annual Trig's Klondike Days Winter Family Festival and much more.
"And, if you believe it possible, there's still more to do in Eagle River in the winter," said Heeg of the Northwood's Children's Museum; the new International Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum; and the Fruit of the Woods Winery in nearby Three Lakes.
If that doesn't suit visitors then try some Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoe Making, or Outdoor Lore at the Trees For Tomorrow Nature Center, located right along the River in Eagle River.
"Of course," added Heeg, "after, or instead of winter activities, those who wish, can curl up in front of a cozy fire, bask in a whirlpool or sauna, enjoy a wondrous north woods Wisconsin meal, or sleep in a wonderful bed at one of Eagle River's fine resorts, bed and breakfasts, or motels. Or shop for candy, gifts, furniture or souvenirs. Or, just kick back and do nothing. After all, that's what a vacation getaway is for," he said.
For more information:
Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center,
Telephone: 800-359-6315 or 715-479-6400
E-mail: info@eagleriver.org
www.eagleriver.org
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