The Eagle River Fire Department has announced that it will not be building the Ice Castle this year. According to WXPR, poor ice conditions are behind the announcement, with ice conditions being thin with a layer of water beneath the ice. The first ice castle began as an addition to the annual “King Winter” festival in 1933. When the ice and weather permits, the Ice Castle is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, built with over 3,000 blocks of 12 inch thick ice bricks cut from Silver Lake. Last winter was the last time in several years that the castle was able to be built. For more on the Ice Castle, including it’s history, go to eagleriver.org.