Spanning the weekends before and after Feb. 29, the celebration will include an ice hockey game, wine tasting, craft show, concert and carnival, and a parade, party and reception on leap day.

WSJ: For Some, All in a Leap Day's Work

Dr Renno thinks that when the craft settled, its thrusters melted some of the ice and the resulting mud splashed onto the leg.

ECONOMIST: Water on Mars

Today, ice sculpting is often incorporated into the culinary arts, with many sculptors learning the craft in culinary schools.

BBC: The origins of ice sculpting