{Written by Journalism I student Natalie Ro ’22}
The Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center provides a winter wonderland in Grapevine, Texas. From November 9, 2018 – January 1, 2019 a family can enjoy the magic of ICE! This year’s theme is Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!
Opened in March 2004, the Gaylord is best known for its ICE! event. For the last 14 years, the ice has been imported all the way form Harbin, China.
A recent article published by the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center said, “ICE! arrives in approximately 36 truckloads over a 3-week period from an ice factory. There are two trucks a day for 15 days, which is about as fast as the ice factory can produce it.”
There are three types of ice used in this event: crystal, white, and colored.
Crystal ice takes three days to freeze 45 gallons of water, and the ice block will weigh 400 pounds! Unlike crystal ice, white ice dries instantly. To make colored ice, workers pour food coloring into the water and freeze it!
Along with the blocks of ice, 40 master ice carvers fly from China to Grapevine to hand carve the ice. In total, there are 2 million pounds of ice! And to keep the ice from melting the room is set at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.
A recent review published on trip advisor said, “This was just great! The Rudolph ice exhibition was a great treat that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed. They also had lots of other activities for the young ones from throwing snowballs to sliding down ice ramps! So much fun I think I’ll go next year if they have it. This hotel is spectacular for the Christmas season. With the Ice show, snow tubing, ice skating and many things to do for the children, its a top place on our list for this time of year.”
Check the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center website for prices and hours at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center/
