Snow falls during Strasburg Christmas in the Village

Snow continued to fall during the 15th annual Strasburg Christmas in the Village, held Dec. 13, but all scheduled events went on as planned.

One attraction that drew significant attention was ice carving by Elegant Ice Creations of Cleveland. Ice sculptor George Niemoeller carved a snowman from a large block of ice, a process that took about an hour despite frigid conditions.

“I have been doing this for 15 years. We use an ice machine and 3D prints. I was a disc jockey and that did not pan out, so I became an ice sculptor,” Niemoeller said while working.

Also displayed on the wall at the school on Bodmer Avenue were a tiger and a gingerbread boy, along with the snowman. The carvings were expected to remain on display until they melt.

Niemoeller said each project begins with an ice block prepared in the shop and customized from the start. A design is created for either an ice carving or ice sculpture before the freezing process begins.

According to information provided, nearly any item can be frozen into an ice block, with layers of color often added. Each sculpture or carving is customized for the individual or event.

Elegant Ice Creations began as a dream 25 years ago and now features a team of carvers who complete the finished products. Owner Aaron Costic sculpted his first block of ice with a chainsaw. The company operates out of an 8,000-square-foot studio in Broadview Heights.

A total of 169 participants took part in the 5K Rudolph Run and walk held earlier in the morning. Breakfast at the Strasburg Senior Center was well attended.

The Christmas parade stepped off along Bodmer Avenue toward the school as snow continued to fall. About 30 units participated, and many residents also attended the live nativity and visited Santa Claus at the fire station.