ELY, Nev. – The wonders of winter are coming to Ely, Nevada. What has quickly become a signature event, the White Pine Fire and Ice Show, now in its tenth year, is a highly visual ice-sculpture competition followed by a fireworks display over a frozen, high-desert lake.
Gather around bonfires with new found friends and watch as the crystal clear air erupts with vibrant colors and the canyon walls echo, as this unique fireworks show lights the sky.
“The White Pine Fire and Ice Show started as a small, local event that has turned into a major outdoor entertainment attraction for the western United States,” said Steve Gray, park supervisor at Cave Lake.
More than 2,500 people are expected to attend the event, which has been named by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 events in North America.
All sculptures must be completed by 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 with the winners announced that evening at 6 p.m., right before the fireworks show. The first prize winner will receive a grand prize of $1,000. Second place will receive $500 and third place $250. Other activities throughout the weekend include ice bowling, golf, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing and the firing of the Cave Lake cannon.
The White Pine Fire and Ice Show is sponsored by White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and the Nevada Division of State Parks. It is also an official event of the Nevada 150 celebration.
Cave Lake is located eight miles south of Ely on U.S. 93. Turn onto Success Summit road (State route 486) and continue east for seven miles.
