Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska (behind Anchorage). Because of its interior, sub-arctic location, the snowpack is established by October and remains until May. Average winter temperatures in Fairbanks are in the -15F to -25F range, with the lowest temperature −66 F (−54 F). These cold temperatures, and the availability of exceptionally clear ice harvested from local gravel pit ponds, make the World Ice Art Championships, held in March, the most prestigious venue for ice sculpture. The crystal-clear ice sparkles in the day, and is illuminated by colored lights at night, while a number of slides made of ice appear to kids, carted around by parents in sleds.
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