In the annals of Chicago’s weather history, snow and January have become an infamous combination; but in 2010, it will be a winning combination.

The second Annual Snow Days Chicago festival, in collaboration with Snow Visions, Inc., arrives a little earlier in 2010, opening on Friday, Jan. 29 at 4pm and continuing on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31, 11am to 8pm.

The festival returns to Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden located at Michigan Avenue and Balbo.

Submissions from artists are currently being accepted and on December 8, the teams of sculptors from around the world will be announced, chosen to create their masterpieces on Chicago’s lakefront in competition for prize money.

“We are proud that the City of Chicago offers free events and festivals year-round,” said Executive Director Megan McDonald. “Snow Days Chicago is a family friendly event that takes our January weather and turns it into something fun.”

Sculptors will begin their process on Wednesday, Jan. 27, needing to complete their task in time for voting on Saturday, Jan. 30. A panel of experts will select the best sculpture.

Festival attendees can get in on the fun selecting a People’s Choice Award. Voting takes place on Saturday, Jan. 30, 11am until 4pm and winners will be announced at a ceremony later that day.

Additionally, 12 teams representing Chicago Public High Schools will design and complete sculptures for display only.

Back from last year’s event are the Green Valley Dog Drivers providing dog sled demonstrations and weight pulling and snowboarders from the Raging Buffalo Snowboard/Ski Park USASA Team.

Snow Days Chicago will create its own snow, temperature permitting, in mid-January. Snow is then packed into 10 ft blocks suitable for sculpting. (Student teams will carve smaller blocks that are 6 ft tall.)

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events recommends public transportation to all its events. Parking is available nearby at the Millennium Garage, East Monroe and Grant Park Underground.

For more information on Snow Days Chicago, visit snowdayschicago.us or call 312-744-3315.

Snow Days Chicago is presented by the City of Chicago and sponsored by WBBM AM Newsradio 789, Jack FM, Chicago’s Essex Inn, Cuties Clementines, Crush and Whole Foods.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Cindy Gatziolis, 312-744-0573