Zehnder's Snowfest Readies to Dazzle January 21-26, 2009

Zehnder's Snowfest Readies to Dazzle January 21-26, 2009

FRANKENMUTH, Mich., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1991, Zehnder's Snowfest has entertained thousands of visitors with the top snow and ice carving teams from around the world. The celebration of the winter season includes snow and ice competitions, exhibitions, children's events, hot air balloons, entertainment and fireworks in one of the state's top tourist destinations -- Frankenmuth -- Michigan's Little Bavaria.

"We have welcomed thousands of visitors over the years to enjoy Michigan's winter season. The Snowfest is a huge art gallery of ice and snow created by professional and amateur carving teams, along with plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages," said Zehnder's of Frankenmuth Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder. "Since we are only 90 miles north of Detroit, it's a perfect economic day trip for a family to get out and enjoy a Pure Michigan experience."

New for 2009

A snow sculpted 20 x 10 foot 3-D news desk will be used for live broadcasts on Thursday, January 22 from 5 - 7 a.m. and 5:30 - 6 p.m. The chilled CBS WNEM TV-5 booth will be carved by Sam Licavoli, manager of Interactive Media for Meredith Broadcasting and his teammates. Families can also experience the 9-hole Snowfest Putt Putt Golf for just $3 per person; various ice sculptures will be designed as part of the icy golf course challenge. Also new is the Battle of the Champions that will feature the professional ice carving first place winners from the past three years who will compete against each other with an eight block competition.

Top Competitors

There is nothing little about Zehnder's Snowfest. Two-ton blocks of snow will magically transform into giant works of snow art by eight international carving teams that include Argentina, China, Mexico and Ukraine. The USA snow block competition includes four teams from Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Other competitions include the State of Michigan Snow Sculpting with 18 teams, High School Snow Sculpting with 17 teams, and The NICA Collegiate Ice Carving Championship with 13 teams as they go for the gold in their own divisions.

Young visitors from local elementary schools will be creating their own snow masterpieces January 21 and 22, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Additional activities for kids include a Pettting Zoo, Pony Rides and inflatable rides at Frankenmuth River Place.

Warming Up

A favorite for all Snowfest visitors is the Warming Tent, a haven from the elements and a place for food and entertainment. Highlights in the Warming Tent will include finals for the annual Best Michigan Apple Pie contest, Christian Night with Christian artists Laura Story and Jami Jamgochian, concerts by the 338th U.S. Army Band and many more great bands.

No Chills -- Just Thrills

Visitors to Zehnder's Snowfest have several lodging choices in the Frankenmuth area including Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark. The 146-room hotel is designed for the entire family, including a 30,000 square foot indoor waterpark boasting 84 degrees of warmth for its guests with two, four-story giant water tubes and many other fun aquatic features. The waterpark is located one mile from Zehnder's Snowfest (next to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland) and offers a convenient shuttle service.

For a complete calendar of Snowfest events or for hotel reservations call 800-863-7999 or visit Zehnder's at www.zehnders.com.

The Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, 90 miles north of Detroit, is one of the state's top tourist destinations with more than 3 million visitors each year. In addition to Zehnder's 1,500 seat restaurant with a marketplace, bakery and gift store, Zehnder's of Frankenmuth owns and operates Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark, and the 18-hole championship golf course, The Fortress. In 1998, Golf Digest recognized The Fortress as one of the top 450 public golf courses in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Frankenmuth was voted the best day trip in Michigan by Detroit News readers, and Zehnder's was honored as one of the top vacation-stop restaurants in the state. Learn more about Zehnder's at www.zehnders.com or call 800-863-7999, central reservations for dining, golf, meetings and lodging.

Contact: John Shelton

800-863-7999 ext. 434

Source: Zehnder's Snowfest

CONTACT: John Shelton, +1-800-863-7999 ext. 434, for Zehnder's Snowfest

Web site: http://www.zehnders.com/

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