Experience History: The First-Ever International Ice Carousel Spans Borders!

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Illustrated winter event map of the first-ever International Ice Carousel on the St. John River showing a massive spinning ice disk crossing the U.S.–Canada border between Van Buren, Maine and St. Leonard, Canada, with spectators, festival tents, border markers, and winter celebrations on both sides.

Experience History: The First-Ever International Ice Carousel Spans Borders!

Writer: Gerry Caron | Feb 14, 2025 | 4 min read

A Cross-Border Winter Spectacle: The World’s First International Ice Carousel

Prepare to witness a feat of engineering and unity like never before! This March 14-16, 2025, the Northern Maine Ice Busters (NMIB) invite you to the St. John River for a groundbreaking event: the First International Ice Carousel. Spanning the boundary between Van Buren, Maine, and St. Leonard, New Brunswick, this spinning ice marvel is more than a record-breaking attempt—it’s a historic celebration of cross-border collaboration and winter ingenuity.

What is an Ice Carousel?

An ice carousel is a massive circular disk of ice cut from a frozen body of water and set into motion so it rotates like a giant merry-go-round. Using precise GPS measurements and high-powered tools, NMIB will carve a 207-foot-wide disk (a tribute to Maine’s 207 area code). For the first time in history, this carousel will spin across an international border, with the U.S.-Canada line running directly through its center.

Event Highlights: Be Part of History

  • World Record Attempt: Watch as the team attempts to shatter five world records, including the first international carousel and the largest carousel ever carved on a river.

  • Engineering in Action: Witness the power of outboard boat motors and heavy machinery as they propel thousands of tons of ice.

  • Spectacular Fanfare: Past events have featured incredible sights, such as multiple helicopters landing on the spinning disk to mark its first rotation.

  • Winter Festival Fun: Coinciding with Van Buren’s Spring Fling, enjoy live music, local food vendors, snow tube sliding, and an antique snowmobile show.

Why Attend?

This once-in-a-lifetime event fosters community spirit between two nations. It’s a chance to see “Northern Maine grit” in action, where working-class citizens use creativity and teamwork to beat cabin fever and achieve global recognition.

Schedule of Events:

  • March 14: Event Kickoff, Opening Ceremonies, and Carousel Preparation.

  • March 15: The Big Spin! Cutting and spinning demonstrations throughout the day.

  • March 16: Record verification attempts and Closing Celebrations.

Visitor Information & Travel Tips

  • Location: St. John River Boat Landing, Van Buren, ME / St. Leonard, NB.

  • Border Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport or RFID-enabled card for crossing between the U.S. and Canada.

  • Stay Warm: Dress in insulated layers and waterproof gear; northern Maine winters are unforgiving.

  • Safety First: Adhere to all safety perimeters. The river ice is carefully monitored by the NMIB team.

Contact Information:

Your Ultimate Basecamp: Moose River Lookout

While you’re in the St. John Valley for the world record attempt, extend your trip to the Moosehead Lake region. Find your sanctuary at Moose River Lookout in Rockwood. Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains along the serene Moose River, our cabin is the gateway to Maine’s wild beauty.

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