FRANKENMUTH, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 01/07/13 -- Zehnder's Snowfest will celebrate 22 years with six days of snow-filled fun for more than 150,000 festival attendees. This annual Frankenmuth winter event for the entire family presents world class snow sculpture championships, State of Michigan and high school snow sculpting competitions, and the US National Collegiate Ice Carving Competition. Families can also enjoy live music, kid's activities, food and fireworks. The Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth is only 90 miles north of Detroit. For a complete Snowfest schedule, lodging packages and directions go to www.zehnders.com.

New this year, sponsored by Pepsi, is a visit from the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan on January 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Snowfest Warming Tent. Detroit Tigers Assistant General Manager Al Avila will join five Tiger coaches, broadcaster Dan Dickerson and 16 members of the 2012 American League Championship team. Players scheduled to attend include Al Alburquerque, Alex Avila, Duane Below, Quintin Berry, Casey Crosby, Darin Downs, Andy Dirks, Prince Fielder, Luis Marte, Melvin Mercedes, Brayan Pena, Jhonny Peralta, Rick Porcello, Luke Putkonen, Bruce Rondon and Drew Smyly. Team members attending are subject to change.

Snowfest guests will have the opportunity to win prizes, view the 2012 Tiger highlight video and participate in a question and answer period with members of the team. However, due to the limited time the Caravan will be available, this will not be an autograph event. Cameras and video recordings are welcomed.

Daily Snow-filled Fun

The festival opens on Wednesday, January 23 with the start of World Class snow carving teams creating works of winter art from huge double and single blocks of snow, and the State of Michigan snow sculpting competition. The Children's Snow Sculpting event will take place at Frankenmuth River Place. Visitors can take off the chill in the Zehnder's Warming Tent and enjoy the aroma of the Favorite Michigan Apple Recipe Contest.

On January 24 and 25 the festival presents the High School Snow Sculpting Competition as the other snow sculpting events continue. The public will be invited to vote on their favorite works of snow art. The highlight on Friday, January 25 will feature Greg Butauski, Award Winning Certified Master Ice Sculptor and his team as they create a 100-block masterpiece to be completed at 4:30 p.m.

Snow-carving awards will be presented on Saturday, January 26 followed by the annual fireworks show. Saturday also features the US Collegiate Ice Sculpting Competition. The gallery of snow and ice works can be seen throughout the festival.

Festival guests can enjoy live music and dancing in the warming tent. Kids get in on the fun at the free petting zoo; pony rides and Putt Putt Ice Golf will only cost $2 per person.

Snowfest concludes on Monday, January 28, with the annual Chef's Hot Food Competition and Tasting. Themed "Under the Tuscan Moon" - A Culinary Salute to Italy, the dinner will be at Zehnder's Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at a cost of $30 per person. Sponsored by American Culinary Federation Flint/Saginaw Valley Chapter, proceeds support the Saginaw Eastside Soup Kitchen After School Dinner Program.

Frankenmuth is considered one of Michigan's top tourism destinations with its Bavarian theme and deep-rooted German heritage that is reflected in Main Street shops and restaurants. For information on Zehnder's Restaurant, Z's Bakery, and Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark and The Fortress golf course, call 800-863-7999, or go to www.zehnders.com.