Brrr-ing a parka to visit this ice exhibit

By LARRY BLEIBERG
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Visitors to Nashville, Tenn., must don parkas for a look at a giant ice sculpture exhibition in a refrigerated theater.
The creations are made by a group of 55 visiting Chinese artists, who have been chiseling and sculpting since October. The "Fantasy in Ice" show features more than 1 million pounds of ice sculpted into lifesize holiday shapes, including bears that weigh more than 8 tons, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a Nativity scene. Some carvings are more than 25 feet long.
The exhibit will amaze (and chill) visitors to the 20,000-square-foot refrigerated theater. Luckily, admission includes the use of a hooded parka.
Ice sculpture is a popular pastime in northern China. Each year, more than 2,000 sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through Ice Park in Harbin, China.
XNashville's display is in the Gaslight Theater in Opry Plaza, adjacent to The Grand Ole Opry House, through Jan. 4. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $12.45 for adults and $5.95 for children. For more information call (888) 677-9872 or visit www.gaylordopryland.com on the Web.