GRAND-SAULT, November 1st, 2023 - A team of 12 volunteers from the Grand Falls Regional Municipality and surrounding area will attempt to build the world's largest ice dome at the famous Quebec Winter Carnival.
The team, led by Eric Ouellette, owner of Zip Zag in Grand Falls, is no stranger to ice dome constructions, having held the Guinness record for the largest ice dome since February 2011. The dome had an internal diameter of 9.2 m and an internal height of 5.3 m. No fewer than 2,500 blocks of ice were used in its construction.
The ice blocks used to build the dome will be made in advance of the event, and then transported from Grand Falls to Quebec City. Although the dimensions of the future ice dome remains undisclosed for the time being, Eric Ouellette makes no secret of the fact that the team's aim is to surpass their own record.
"Our participation in the Quebec Winter Carnival is an incredible opportunity for us, and perhaps the perfect chance to make our mark by beating the record we set nearly 13 years ago," says Éric Ouellette, Zip Zag team leader.
For his part, the Mayor of the Grand Falls Regional Municipality says he's delighted to see a company and people from the community shine on the national stage.
"What a proud moment it will be to see a home-grown ice dome at the iconic Quebec Winter Carnival. We wish them every success in this adventure and can't wait to see the final product!”, indicated Mr. Bertrand Beaulieu.
The 70th Quebec Winter Carnival will take place from January 25 to February 11. The dome will be accessible from February 2, 2024, on the site of the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden at Place George-V. To find out the complete program, consult carnaval.qc.ca.
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Info and interview requests:
France Le Moignan, Economic Development & Marketing Director
(506) 740-1773 - communications@grandsault.ca
Eric Ouellette, Owner – Zip Zag
506.473.0298