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Leguizamo to Open Alaska 'Ice Age' Park

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


John Leguizamo will arrive by dog sled at an ice-carving festival in Fairbanks to open a park with characters from the upcoming sequel to his film "Ice Age," officials said.

"How often does Fairbanks, Alaska, have a Hollywood star coming here in wintertime?" said Dick Brickley, chairman of Ice Alaska, sponsor of the annual World Ice Art Championships kicking off Tuesday.

Leguizamo will arrive at an ice stage March 12, officials said Friday. The actor will then help Gov. Frank Murkowski cut through an ice ribbon with blow torches.

"Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" stars characters voiced by Leguizamo and other actors. Leguizamo has starred in "Moulin Rouge" and "Land of the Dead."

Besides towering sculptures, the monthlong ice festival this year will feature huge carvings of Sid the sloth, voiced by Leguizamo, and other characters from the "Ice Age" movies. The sequel opens March 31.

The Hollywood visit means more attention to the yearly ice art festival, considered a world-class competition. The event matches teams racing to create intricate carvings than can be as tall as 30 feet and weigh more than 22 tons.