I used to think ice was, well... just ice. I never gave ice much thought before my current role, preparing for the opening of Iceploration, Busch Gardens biggest ice show to date.
Over the holiday season, while working at Christmas On Ice at the Moroccan Palace, I’ve discovered that for skaters, ice is a tricky thing: it can be too hard, too soft, too thin, too thick, too brittle, too rutted, and even possibly just right. It's all in the details of how it is made and taken care of daily by our team of experts.
Making ice after each and every show requires a lot of attention to detail. It's an interesting process. The first thing we have to do is fill all the holes and big ruts with snow picked up by the zamboni-like resurfacing machine.
Here's one of my coworkers. We’re all getting a kick out of learning to drive the zamboni, which is used to create a very smooth surface on the ice.
I won't deny that a snowball might get thrown while we’re working too. Hey, it’s still a novelty for us here in Florida to see snow! Anyway, back to preparing the ice; The zamboni will make as many passes over the ice as time will allow, and then we’ll lay down a thin layer of water that will freeze and give it a nice smooth surface for the next show.
Like I said, it's all about the details and the preparation for right now. My team and I are so excited for Iceploration's opening day, 2.2.12.
Now, back to work.....
Are you coming to see the show? Leave a comment below!
