MADISON, (WKOW) – A new snow sculpture is taking shape in Madison with an Olympic theme.
This year, a bobsled will be the centerpiece, allowing visitors to sit inside the unit itself.
“We’re building a snow sculpture. I think this year’s theme is going to be the Olympics, with a bobsled coming down towards us right here,” said Michael Berkholtz. “We’ll have a wing coming out here for the front steering and seating for four on the way down there, so you can actually sit in the unit itself.”
Berkholtz has been creating snow sculptures for the past 30 years, driven by his love for winter activities.
“It’s something to do in the wintertime. You have to enjoy the weather while you got it,” Berkholtz said.
The decision for an Olympic theme was influenced by the type of snow available and current global trends.
“It all depends what kind of snow you have, and what it looks like, and what’s hot, or what’s happening in the world,” said Berkholtz.
The process of building these sculptures is extensive, involving weeks of preparation and snow gathering.
“It takes weeks and weeks you have to gather the snow first and pile it at the base here, take a snow blower and blow it up into forms so it’s consistent layers and not blocks with gaps between them,” Berkholtz explained.
Berkholtz’s past creations have included a range of unique designs, from the Lombardi trophy to a double-headed fire-breathing dragon.
“We’ve done everything from the Lombardi trophy to a double-headed fire-breathing dragon, the crazy bunny from Monty Python with a big teeth,” Berkholtz said.
The snow sculpture can be found just off I-94 and Highway 19, north on Highway CV, one block from the Mouse House Cheese House. Berkholtz invites the community to stop by and experience the fun, and he is on the lookout for mannequins to enhance the display.