March 15, 2006
Wednesday

Fairbanks - Governor Frank H. Murkowski and actor John Leguizamo opened "Ice Age: The Meltdown" Ice Park during a "ribbon torching" ceremony March 12th by melting a ribbon made of ice with hand held torches. The governor also presented Leguizamo with ceremonial "ice keys" to the state.

Leguizamo is in Fairbanks promoting the movie "Ice Age2: The Meltdown," in which he is the voice of Sid the sloth. The Ice Park features an exhibit of carvings from the movie. During the torch ceremony at the World Ice Art Championships, Murkowski and Leguizamo unveiled a 14-foot ice sculpture of "Scrat" the acorn-chasing prehistoric rodent.

Prior to the event Murkowski said, "Governors often get to cut ribbons, but the Fairbanks Ice Park ribbon cutting is something special." Murkowski said he looked forward to melting the ice ribbon and opening the exhibition of sculptures by the Fairbanks carvers celebrating the movie sequel opening.

Earlier events of the weekend included, the Alaska "Fur & Ice" fashion show in Fairbanks on March 11, which welcomed more than 46 international dignitaries and business representatives. The Fur & Ice event is growing in international acclaim. Consular officials representing Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Poland, Taiwan, and Russia attended. Half a dozen Honorary Consuls from Alaska will attend representing Denmark, Finland, Poland, The Seychelles, Spain, and Britain.

Both the president and chairman of China Airlines also attended the event. China Airlines provides Alaska's only year round nonstop passenger service to Asia.

The Governor arranged city tours for the dignitaries to promote winter tourism in Alaska. The tours were provided by the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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