World Snow Sculpting Championship OPENING CEREMONY 2023

Join us for the World Snow Sculpting Championship Opening Ceremony ~ an Olympic-Style Fanfare celebration kicking off this event! Wednesday, January 18 at the JX Event Venue, 4:30-7:00 pm

Be a part of this Celebration to Welcome the world-class Snow Sculpting teams to Stillwater, Minnesota!

Attend this event to get a behind the scenes look at how this World Class event comes together, learn more about the world-class sculptors, meet the teams and get an overview of the competition.

Mingle & Connect with the Teams, Event Sponsors, Elected Officials, the World Steering Committee members, Greater Stillwater Chamber staff, Chamber Board of Directors and community members.

Your Ticket includes:
~Social Hour with music
~A 3-course plated meal featuring Minnesota favorites served by Bella Vida Catering
~Welcome from Stillwater's Mayor, Ted Kozlowski
~Special Artistic Performance by Curio Dance & School
~Meet the teams and warm welcome from Winter Fun LLC.
~Evening Program will feature national anthem, recognition of state and local dignitaries, a history on snow sculpting and team introductions from our World Class Teams

Emcee: Ted Kozlowski, Mayor of the City of Stillwater, Minnesota

Ted is serving his fourth term as Mayor of the City of Stillwater in Minnesota. He has also served on the nonprofit boards Valley Outreach and Avivo. When he is not teaching, consulting or working on improving Stillwater, Ted can be found boating on the St. Croix River or skiing at Afton Alps with his wife (and Demand Quest co-owner) Rachael and their two daughters.

Special Artistic Performance by Curio Dance & School

Curio Dance is a performance-based dance school led by professional dancers with advanced training in dance technique and performance. The classes focus on the dancer and the capabilities that emerge when learning is positive, fun, and rigorous in an encouraging environment. Curio Dance provides opportunities for pre-professional and professional performance throughout the year. Located in Stillwater, Curio Dance & School is proud to be rated the best dance school in Washington County.

National Anthem sung by: Olivia Gojkovic
With a musical background and training rooted in choral music, Olivia sang in the Concert Choir at the University of Wisconsin and regularly sings at weddings and other church services – most often at either the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas (University of St. Thomas) or Our Lady of Victory Chapel (St. Catherine University. She is currently a member of the Lumen Christi Catholic Community Adult Choir, as well as the church’s Cantor.

Harpist Anna Loegering
Anna is a Senior at Stillwater Area High School. She has been playing the harp for thirteen years, and studies with Phala Tracy. She has won several awards including the Karen Lundmark Holmes award from the Minnesota Orchestra's YPSCA (Young People's Symphony Concert Association) Concerto Competition. She won First Place in the Second International Suzuki Harp Competition Category G, ages 17-18. She also won First Place in the Minnesota Chapter of the American Harp Society's Competition in the Intermediate II Category, ages 15-18. She has been a finalist in the Minnesota Youth Symphonies Concerto Competition for the past two years. Anna also won a full scholarship to Interlochen Arts Camp. Anna enjoys playing for community events including the Opening Ceremonies for the World Snow Sculpting Championship Ceremony in 2022, and she played for the Best Buddies Gala in 2021 and 2022. She has also played for Mikayla Holmgren's Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show.

Evening dress: Business wear. Cocktail attire.

The World Snow Sculpting Championship is hosted by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Stillwater, Minnesota