In November 1895, city leaders in Leadville, Colorado, decided to build the biggest and best ice palace the world had ever seen. Less than two months later, the Leadville Ice Palace welcomed visitors from around Colorado and the world. For three months, everyone celebrated Leadville’s Crystal Carnival with ice skating, hockey games, dancing, musical concerts, toboggan rides, and contests of all kinds. This is a glimpse back to 1896, when the town of Leadville came alive to celebrate with the world.
Afton Rorvik is a Colorado native. She first went to Leadville as a teenager and spent her allowance money to buy books about Leadville history. She is still reading about Leadville. Afton has published two non-fiction books for adults, and she has worked as an editor. She loves to walk and hike in the Colorado sunshine. And she and her husband love to host family and friends around their table.