Cool techniques got center stage on a bone-chilling day at January Amana Winterfest
James Pospisil fills the frigid air with flying, frozen chips during an ice carving demonstration at the Amana Winterfest on Jan. 24. Pospisil was one of several Culinary Arts students from Kirkwood Community College who lent their talents to the annual festivities in the Amana Colonies.
Kirkwood Culinary Arts Professor Dave Dettman was also on hand and explained Pospisil’s techniques.
“Jim is using a Makita 12-inch electric chainsaw for that carving. These are smaller than most ‘wood-use’ chainsaws and easier to handle for long periods of time. We use it like a pencil, so the saw needs to be light and easy to maneuver,” Dettman observed.
One thing the students did not have to worry about was any rapid melting of their carved creations.
“Wow, it was cold when we started– below zero! But then the wind was blowing so it seemed much colder then that,” Dettman added. “One of my chainsaws froze up and broke a sprocket because it iced up. That was the coldest day I think I have ever carved ice.”
In addition to Pospisil, other students that helped at the Amana Winterfest were Ken Shafer, Janna Noble and Adam Brock.