Vernon Barker and Scott Gelarme of Culinary Ice Creations sculpted a large Christmas tree out of two 300 lb blocks of ice for Holly Jolly Holidays sponsored by Visit Oxford on Saturday, December 16.

The ice sculpture is on display in front of the Old Armory Pavillion on Bramlett Ave under an awning until it melts. The Old Armory Pavillion is where the temporary ice rink is located until Jan. 7, 2024.

The display took some hours, and expert carving with chainsaws and special tools. The final weight of the ice sculpture Christmas tree would be around 500 lbs.

They hung Christmas lights on it that shine on the ice giving it a shimmery glow.

Barker is the president of the National Ice Carving Association and has traveled extensively judging ice carving contests.