Each year between Christmas and New Year's, the Eagle River Fire Department and volunteers build the Ice Castle in the city's downtown area. Not so this year. At least not yet.
Officials say the ice isn't thick enough on Silver Lake to begin extracting the 2,300 blocks of ice to build the large structure. It could start within in a couple of weeks, but it is weather dependent.
At the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Executive Director Kim Emerson says while area businesses are waiting for colder conditions and more snow to bring in visitors, some are reporting things to be o.k....
"...With the new snow we've gotten and the with the snowmobile trails opening, businesses around the area are saying things are looking up and they're excited for what's ahead in January and February...."
She says one of Eagle River's big draws each year, the World Championship Snowmobile Derby and Vintage Races begin in less than two weeks and aren't as snow dependent...
"The track has been very busy building their ice oval and the track is making snow for the Sno-Cross(race). So yes, the weather is not so dependent over there. We are very excited and looking forward to both vintage and World Championships weekend..."
The Vintage Snowmobile Derby begins January 11 with the world championship race the following weekend.
