Nation on alert as World Attention Turns to Historic Clash of Man vs. Ice Competition in Branson, Missouri Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5

Branson, Missouri – January, 2012. Thirty of the U.S. National Ice Carving Association’s champion Ice Carvers are coming to Branson to blast, drill and torch three-hundred pound chunks of ice into amazing works of art starting at 9 a.m. Saturday , Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s outdoor staging center, announces Titanic owner, John Joslyn.

This marks the first-time ever that the NICA has chosen the city of Branson for it’s annual world-class championship competition and it promises to be the biggest and best in the Association’s 25-year history. The two-day family event will be hosted by the Titanic Museum Attraction outdoor entertainment area. This outdoor event is FREE to the public.

Due to anticipated interest, visitors are advised to arrive early for the best views to watch all of the ice carving action. “Last year’s regional-only competition at Titanic Museum Attraction drew more than 10,000 people. This year, the NICA is projecting a 15,000 to 20,000 visitor turnout for the grand Nationals,” says John Joslyn, owner of Titanic Museum Attraction. Sculptors will be competing for a prize purse valued at over $25,000, - the largest to date - and for the possible chance to represent the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.

“At 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5, an official National Ice Carving Association judging panel will announce the winners, so stick around to see if your favorite carver is among them,” adds Joslyn.