By Joe Bachman

Soup and snow sculptures will take over the area next Saturday.

The 12th annual ‘Souper Snow Sculpture Spectacular’ event kicks off on Jan. 28 at the Centralia Center. The event will feature an amateur snow sculpture competition, starting at 9:00 a.m. with judging to begin at 3:00 p.m. An award ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m.

“Everybody gets the same six by six block of snow and the teams or individuals who participate make them into some of the most amazing creations that we’ve ever seen,” said South Wood County Humane Society Executive Director Bridget Chariton. “We have student groups participate, all the way up to professionals.”

A lion snow sculpture by the Goodness family from last year’s competition. (Contributed Photo)

The entertainment just doesn’t stop with snow sculptures, as there will be live music throughout the day from Two Left Feet, Harps & Heels, and Tilly’s Village. Also on hand will be a pet adoption center, a TV/fireplace/recliner raffle, various other raffle baskets, bake sales, and plenty of kids activities for the event.

Another main draw is an interactive sculpture that will be featured in the Centralia parking lot.  Interactive sculptures will feature both amateur and professional artists. However, it wouldn’t be ‘souper’ without the soup, as local restaurants will provide gourmet soup throughout the day inside the Centralia Center, as well as other food.

If you are unable to make the event, there is still a chance afterwards to catch the many sculptures on display.

“The cool thing is, if the weather cooperates, the city allows us to keep the sculptures up a few days after the event,” said Chariton. “A lot of people will drive by the parking lot to check those out — it’s definitely a draw for the community to come check it out.”

All proceeds for the event go to the South Wood County Humane Society, and is sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Boutique, the family of Kathy Goodness, Solarus, Furniture Plus, Copps, Quality Plus Printing, Nekoosa Coated Products, WoodTrust Bank, and IGA Quality Foods.

The Centralia Center is located at 220 3rd Ave. South, right by the Rapids Mall.