The Malta Independent 10 February 2025, Monday
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First State Bank and Trust welcomes Team Mela from Malta for the World Snow Celebration

Wednesday, 15 January 2025, 10:48 Last update: about 25 days ago

A global gathering of 12 teams showcasing the art and sport of snow sculpting

The team from left: Christophe Bourdinaud, Serhat Gur, Ada Gur, and Amelie Saint George taking in the views overlooking historic Stillwater, Minnesota.
The team from left: Christophe Bourdinaud, Serhat Gur, Ada Gur, and Amelie Saint George taking in the views overlooking historic Stillwater, Minnesota.

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the city of Stillwater is kicking off the fourth annual World Snow Celebration today.  Welcoming 12 teams spanning five continents, this snow sculpting competition combines art and sport celebration, in addition to a wide array of community events and activities providing a great opportunity to bundle up, get outside, and discover the St Croix Valley area of western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

Included in this year's field of nations is Team Mela from the country of Malta.  Joining team captain Serhat Gur, for the adventure is Ada Gur, Amelie Saint George, and Christophe Bourdinaud.  Known for its Mediterranean climate with plentiful sunshine and mild winters, preparing for sculpting a 3x3 metres block of snow could present a challenge to many.  However, the sculptors are excited to rely on their talents and experience using other art mediums including paint, ice, bronze, and marble to hone their skills in the snow. 

To help make teams feel welcome to the area, the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce recruited community volunteers to host teams during the week of competition.  First State Bank and Trust, located just south of the competition site in Bayport, Minnesota, is once again excited to be part of the World Snow Celebration and host Team Mela. 

"This is a great way to not only make our international visitors feel welcome during their time here but also support the St Croix Valley community in this unique global event.  As a community bank serving Bayport and the surrounding area for 110 years, we are proud to be part of this event promoting the vibrancy of this community." says Jason Howard, President and CEO of First State Bank and Trust. 

To make the week special for the team, the community of Bayport was invited to participate in welcoming Team Mela including a proclamation from Bayport's Mayor Michele Hanson declaring January 15, 2025 as 'Malta Day' and hanging Maltese flags along Bayport's main street.  Along with the city's involvement, the local elementary school is highlighting the country of Malta with students throughout the week and local restaurants have joined in the festivities to showcase unique Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine.  "Bayport is a close-knit community, and this is a fun way to strengthen that community bond" said Howard. 

The world-renowned snow sculpting competition beings January 15 and after four days of sculpting, teams will be judged with winners announced January 19. For more information on World Snow Celebration, visit www.worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn.com


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