Every year, nearly 2 million people attend the Snow Festival in Sapporo, Japan. For seven days every February, Odori Park is turned into a winter wonderland, featuring gigantic snow sculptures, food, and live entertainment. The event even featured a giant “Star Wars Mount Rushmore” snow sculpture.

This year, Knoxville’s own Shaun Estep shared this photo essay with KNOXzine.

The Snow Festival spans the entire length of the main street in the Susukino district of Sapporo.

Lots of yummy Japanese food. Ate most of my meals food booths.

Tsudome area set up for children.

Children’s ski area.

Intertube luge.

Lots of live entertainment. I think these were Malaysian dancers.

I really don’t understand Japanese Cosplay.

CupNoodle Mascot?

I don’t think they translated “Swanky” right.

Big Snow Sculpture of something I don’t know about.

Sapporo Beer Museum.

More live entertainment.

Snow sculptures at night.

Odori Park at night.

Obligatory Souvenir Photo

Lieutenant Commander Anthony “Shaun” Estep is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in Japan. He is a graduate of Halls High School and the University of Tennessee. He has also lived in Iceland and Bahrain. Shaun will be retiring from the service later this year and plans to move back home to Knoxville.