Winter was conspicuously absent for the final days of the 32nd  annual Illinois Snowsculpting Competition at Sinnissippi Park last weekend. Sunshine and temperatures in the mid to upper 40s affected the creations, softening and eliminating sharp details.

Fortunately, judges and visitors still had enough detail to enjoy the sculptures and determine winners. Cave People from Space team of Brian Hierstein (captain), Joe Goral, and Kelly Madison won overall title with  their sculpture titled “So Long and Thanks for All the Fish.” Cave People from Space will also advance to the 2019 U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wis. (Photos by Jack McCarthy/ Chronicle Media0

—Soggy Snow Sculptures–