The Bartz Brothers of New Brighton wowed the community once again with their impressive snow sculpture showcased at the annual “Brave the Brr” event in New Brighton. This year’s creation, aptly named “Sparky the Seal,” stood at a towering 21 feet tall and stretched an impressive 48 feet in length. Inspired by Como Zoo’s famous sea lion Sparky, the sculpture drew crowds and admiration as the centerpiece of the winter celebration.
This mammoth creation, their largest to date, required extensive effort, with a construction time of 1,200 hours. The Bartz Brothers, Austin and Connor, along with their father, Dave Bartz, and friends Caleb Kroeze and Seth Hanson, spared no effort in bringing “Sparky” to life. Notably, a hidden smoke machine added a touch of realism, creating the illusion of steam emanating from Sparky’s mouth.
The brothers’ dedication to their craft was evident as they adapted to challenges posed by unseasonably warm weather. Incorporating new techniques and utilizing artificial snow, the Bartz Brothers overcame environmental obstacles, resulting in a remarkable feat of creativity and perseverance.
Despite the event’s focus on winter fun, the Bartz Brothers also took the opportunity to address a more serious issue—clean water access in Africa. Concurrent with the sculpture’s unveiling, they initiated a donation drive for World Vision, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water in African regions. This charitable aspect added a compelling layer of purpose to the exhibition, reflecting the brothers’ commitment to leveraging their talents for meaningful causes.
The community’s response to the colossal snow sculpture and the Bartz Brothers’ philanthropic initiative was overwhelmingly positive, affirming their status as hometown heroes and master craftsmen. As “Brave the Brr” continues, “Sparky the Seal” will remain on display at Brightwood Hills Golf Course, inviting visitors to marvel at the breathtaking work of art and contribute to the noble cause supported by the Bartz Brothers.
In a display of creativity, resilience, and altruism, the Bartz Brothers have once again captivated audiences with their extraordinary snow sculpture, elevating the “Brave the Brr” celebration into an unforgettable experience.
