One of 30 large blocks of snow and ice is covered with a protective tarp after last weekend’s Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition was postponed a week due to relatively warm weather. (Photo by Jack McCarthy / Chronicle Media)

There were plenty of clues suggesting  a big event at Sinnissippi Park last weekend as 30 monoliths of snow and ice — all covered by tarps — were scattered along roadways.

But the hundreds of competitors and visitors typically expected at the annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition were nowhere to be found.

Blame warm weather — temperatures in the 40s with accompanying rain — for washing out an event originally scheduled for last weekend.

Organizers will try to reboot the 31st annual event this week, with a scheduled Wednesday start as teams carve creations while shooting for Saturday judging.

Just how empty was Sinnissippi Park late last week?

A visitor made four complete circuits at mid-afternoon last Friday only to find three people walking dogs, a few parked cars and otherwise not a soul in sight.

Temperatures hovered in the lower 40s with a light drizzle on yet another another day featuring overcast conditions. Rain was expected by evening with more on Saturday.

Very little snow remaining in the park thanks to recent warmups. But the blocks of snow and ice closely wrapped by blue and grey tarps and secured by ropes appeared to be in good shape with limited melting and ready to be carved.

Despite the postponement, at least there’s some good news ahead.

The long range forecast called for temperatures to fall into the mid- to lower 30s by late this week with a high probability of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.

How much snow remains to be seen. But crews at Sinnissippi will also be able to make some of the white stuff thanks to used snowmaking equipment.

The event usual draws up to 70,000 visitors as teams from around the state for the right to represent Illinois in next year’s national competition. There’s also a high school division featuring teams from Rockford area schools.

Admission is free (donations accepted) and the public is invited to view sculptures daily from sunrise until 10:30 p.m.

Parking is limited, with some space available at Nicholas Conservatory across the street.