Ice Project 2016 – Will It Survive?
One year ago today at approximately 10:06 a.m., the Superior Ice Project collapsed as Iceman Roger was conducting an interview with a reporter from the New York Times. Almost simultaneous to the collapse, Explore Superior published an article explaining to the public how the project was being paid for, along with various other information about the promotions surrounding the event, and the people involved in promoting it.
This happened one year ago today on February 3rd, 2015
At the time of the collapse in 2015, there were already those who questioned the project and its expense. Ironically enough, the collapse brought far more notoriety to the project than a successful conclusion might have. The coincidence of having a New York Times reporter onsite when it tumbled down spurred a media frenzy that spread far and wide. According to Dave Minor, President of the Superior Chamber of Commerce, the overall “free” publicity generated by that event exceeded a quarter of a million dollars in value.
Live video from site of Ice Project. Watch as it Grows!
This is a live feed from the project, so you can check on its progress at any time be accessing this Explore Superior post.
Iceman Roger interview with UTVS News
Here is a video we found online of Roger talking about this year’s project, the challenges he faces, and his hope for a successful completion of the project for 2016.
Iceman Roger talks about the collapse of his Ice Project last year
In this video, along with Superior Director of Parks & Recreation, Mary Morgan, Roger explains why he believes last year’s project collapsed.
Here’s the Explore Superior history on the Ice Project!
Ice Project-What’s Your Opinion – Jan. 5, 2016
Ice Project Show Finale Well Attended – Feb. 28, 2015
Lake Superior Ice Project Celebration Tonight – Feb. 28,2015
Nationwide…even Worldwide Coverage of Ice Project – Feb. 9, 2015
Ice Project & Celebration to Continue – Feb. 4, 2015
Superior Ice Project: Facts & Finances – Feb. 3, 2015
Video of the Ice Project Collapse – Feb. 3, 2015
Ice Project Video from 2011 – Jan. 24, 2015
Ice Castle Takes Form – Jan. 11, 2015
Lake Superior Ice Project – Dec. 3, 2014
Please participate in our poll about the Ice Project
[poll id=”1″]
Here’s an excerpt from an article about how the Ice Project was funded last year. The same will be true this year.
Explore Superior – February 3, 2015
Where the Money Comes From
Although information about how this project is being funded is available, ES notes that significant confusion exists about how it is being financed. One of the recurring concerns on local social media is that it is being built using local tax dollars, money that would be better spent “plowing snow and repairing streets.” While it is true that tax dollars are being used, the funds allocated for the Ice Project come from sources specifically set aside for tourism development, and do not detract in any way from City services.
According to Mayor Bruce Hagen, and Chamber President Dave Minor, the $30,000 budget is entirely paid for by the hotel/motel rooms collection tax. One half of the budget comes from the Tourist Development Fund which is funded directly from the rooms tax, and the remaining $15,000 comes from the City of Superior’s share of the rooms tax. These are funds that are dedicated to tourism related events and campaigns, with the goal of getting “heads in beds.” Past examples of use of these funds are efforts made to bring business to Superior during Grandma’s Marathon, and the ice racing held on Barker’s Island.
In addition to the base budget of $30K, additional funds have been allocated to host light & sound shows on the site on February 14th, 21st, with the celebration culminating in a light and fireworks show on Saturday, February 28th. The City will be fully reimbursed for those events by major sponsor National Bank of Commerce.
When asked, Chamber President Minor stated very clearly that no local tax dollars are being spent on this project, but instead through taxes assessed visitors to Superior when they stay at city hotels. This is very much in line with how tourism related events are funded in Duluth.
What Benefits Does This Bring to Superior?
The obvious question is, how does one determine what this project brings to the City? There are the upfront costs of $30,000 to bring Mr. Hanson in to setup his equipment and start making ice. Weather permitting, he will achieve his goal and create a structure that will bring people from near and far to enjoy the view. But, how do we determine if this is a benefit for Superior, and whether it should become an ongoing event?
For starters, let’s be clear…this is a one year commitment between the City and Hanson, with a two year option should the City determine this to be a successful promotion. Contrary to what has been stated on various social media sites recently, the City is not committed to this for three years.
Posted by Arlys Kohl on Facebook, Sunday, Feb. 1
Secondly, the hope is that the Ice Project will bring people to Superior to view it, take pictures in front of it, and ultimately spend money. Early signs point to “Yes,” at least when you view a post from Maplewood, Minnesota resident Arlys Kohl who made the following post on the “You Know You’re From Superior When…” Facebook page on Feb. 1, 2015:
“In town from the Cities and just had to see the ice sculpture so put my husband in the picture for height reference. Wow! Beautiful day for viewing!”
Finally, once the project wraps up at the end February, the City and the Chamber will cooperate with theWisconsin Department of Tourismto calculate the“earned media income”using a formula devised by the state to calculate the dollar value of the publicity generated by the project. Cities, counties and states spend a great deal of money advertising what they have to offer; one need only to drive back and forth between Duluth and the Twin Cities to view the many roadside billboards advertising cities and events that take place in the Northland to confirm this.
Related to that, is the fact that a reporter from the New York Times will be in Superior today to interview Roger Hanson, Mayor Hagen, and Chamber President Minor, about this project. That interview will ultimately appear in the New York Times, as well as on their webpage. This will no doubt create further requests for interviews from various news sources. Given that a single advertisement in a major newspaper such as the Times can cost thousands of dollars, this is certain to boost the value of the Ice Project as a promotional tool for the City of Superior.
