Breckenridge was certainly the place to be the end of January. The resort town recently drew quite a crowd as it celebrated its 20th year hosting the annual Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Snow and ice sculptors from across the world had been working since 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26th straight through until 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30th - five non-stop days creating their own unique masterpieces. All of which are crafted completely by hand. That's right - no electric saws or other power tools, only hand tools are used to chisel away and turn a 20 ton, 12 foot block of snow into a magical work of art.

Twelve teams participated this year, representing countries from Mexico to China to Lithuania to Canada to Colorado's own Team Loveland and of course, Team Breckenridge. Also representing the United States was Team Alaska, Team Minnesota and Team Wisconsin. This year's event was another great success as crowds gathered Sunday afternoon and awaited in suspense to hear the top three winners.

This year's Gold Medal was proudly awarded to Lithuania for its unique, inspiring piece titled, "Milite Est Vita," depicting the symbol of "Victory." Team Lithuania also received the Kids' Choice Award for this same stunning image.

The winner of this year's Silver Medal was Team Canada for "Memories From My Youth."

Team Mexico took home the Bronze Medal for its display, "The Altar of Quetzolcouti."   

Another award given out each year, which also serves as a fundraiser for the annual event, is the People's Choice Award. Once again for a second year in a row, Team Alaska took home this award, this time for its whimsical piece, "The Last Iceberg."

Other pieces worth mentioning include the following:

"Dance of the Fohn Wind Spirits" by Team USA/Wisconsin

"String Theroy" by our very own Team USA/Breckenridge

"Winter Blues" by Team USA/Loveland.

 A BIG Thank you once again to the Town of Breckenridge and the people of Summit County for putting on another fantastic event. It's certainly all the volunteers within the community and the sponsorships from the local businesses that make this event such a great success. Pictures to follow.

Blog By Christy D. Darling

I met with Jack Taylor at his humble office in Dillon, Colorado where he works on the Summit campus of Colorado Mountain College.  He directs a branch of the state funded Small Business Development Center Network under the guidance of the office of Economic Development and International Trade.  Jack has an amazing resume and skill set and it was clear, as I was interviewing him, that all those skills he learned building that resume were needed at his current position.  Jack helps small businesses get started and stay going.  50% of start-up businesses fail so Jack has quite a job ahead of him; I think he knows it and I think he's a perfect fit for the task.  Below is Jack describing who he is and what he does.

Jack Taylor

Director, SBNC Northwest Region

JMTaylor@ColoradoMtn.edu

970-468-5989, Ext. 2802

www.coloradosbdc.com

I had a chance to meet Rob and Tracy from Resort Sitters.  We sat down on main street in Frisco for a cup of tea and talked about their business and what it took to get them to be the business owners they are today.  Originally from Austin, these Texas transplants have taken up a slice of paradise in Breckenridge and are the owners of Resort Sitters.  Resort Sitters is a quality babysitting referral service providing experienced and reliable sitters to your location.  This is a year round service has a network of pre-selected and qualified sitters to tailor to your children's resort experience.  Rob and Tracy have done the extensive research it takes to build a team of sitters.  The list of credentials it takes to be one of their sitters, as well as, the extensive interview process makes their sitters the top echelon of childcare providers.  These sitters have their own transportation and meals and best of all, they come to your location.  That's correct; they come to your location.  Pre-screened, reliable and in your chalet-- You get the night on the town to yourselves.  But don't take my word for it, listen to Rob and Tracy yourself--

Resort Sitters specializes in group jobs and can easily staff for a number of children.  They ask that you make reservations as far in advance as possible but they have been known to come through in a pinch if you need them to.  All sitters are 21, background checked and CPR certified.  Resort Sitters hires energetic and caring providers for your children; they even bring age-appropriate activities and a fun attitude to your children.  They can take your children out for off-site activities, with your permission.  These sitters can be in high demand, so line up your vacation days early. 

www.resortsitters.com

Summit    970-513-4445

Vail       970-748-3012

Steamboat     970-367-4417

Babysitting@resortsitters.com

po box 7399 PMB 252

Breckenridge, CO. 80424