Inspired by the Nenana Ice Classic, an Alaska tradition since 1917, Erie Arts & Culture and the Presque Isle Partnership have joined forces to create the inaugural Great Lake Ice Break, a joint fundraising initiative that will preserve both Erie’s natural and cultural assets, as well as attract visitors to Erie’s Bayfront and Downtown. A kickoff event for the fundraiser will take place Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 4 pm – 7 pm at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel.
Regional artist, David Seitzinger has collaborated with Gene Davis Sales and Services and F3 Metalworx to design and fabricate a distinct and prominent sculpture to serve as both public art for the city and as an icon for the fundraising event. Production Manager, Benjamin Davis expressed, “Gene Davis is proud to be a part of any project that makes our Erie Community a better place.”
The sculpture will be placed on display on Presque Isle Bay of Lake Erie, outside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, each year, while the contest takes place. Following the contest’s conclusion, the sculpture will be relocated to a site (to be announced) within the city for continued viewing throughout the remaining seasons of the year. “F3 Metalworx is thrilled to be involved with such a unique and fun project. Our services are a perfect fit in bringing this idea to life”, boasted Steven J. Dusicsko, Plant Manager of F3 Metalworx. Steven then went on to comment, “We can’t change the weather here in Erie, PA, but we can embrace it. I think this idea does just that — embraces the winter season by creating something for the entire community to rally around.” The metal sculpture will tower over twenty feet above Erie’s frozen waters, enchanting the Bayfront skyline during the winter months of the contest.
Once the sculpture is on the Lake, individuals can make predictions as to the date and time (to the minute) the ice will break and the sculpture will plunge into the Lake. The GLIB is a 50/50, awarding the lucky entrant(s) of the contest whose prediction(s) prove correct with half its proceeds, leaving the other half to benefit Erie Arts & Culture and the Presque Isle Partnership. Predictions are $5 each and the number of wagers an individual wishes to place are unlimited.
The GLIB kickoff event reception, hosted by the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, will take place Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 4 pm – 7 pm during which attendees can behold the unveiling of the remarkable sculpture. Provided the ice on the Bay is 6 inches or thicker at the time of the reception, guests will have the opportunity to place the first predictions. The reception will feature an acoustic performance by Erie’s own Money Shot, as well as complimentary appetizers accompanied by food and drink specials. Daniel Pora, the hotel’s General Manager proclaimed, “The Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is proud to partner with Erie Arts & Culture and the Presque Partnership for this exciting fundraiser! The frozen bay in the winter will surely be the perfect setting for this fun and creative event. We are very eager to see all the excitement and energy that this will create around the Sheraton and throughout the community.”
To learn more about the Great Lake Ice Break, review contest terms and conditions, watch live stream video of the GLIB sculpture, and place predictions visit www.greatlakeicebreak.com.
