Who we are
The Northern Maine Ice Busters (NMIB) is a dedicated volunteer group based in St. Agatha, Maine, with a passion for pushing the limits of what is possible on ice. Our mission has been to create the world’s record breaking ice carousels— massive, rotating disks of ice cut from a frozen body of water—a feat that not only showcases human ingenuity but also fosters community spirit and raises funds for local charities.
Origins and Early Success
The tradition of ice carousels began in 2017 when Finnish engineer Janne Käpylehto created the first known ice carousel in Lohja, Finland, with a diameter of 400 feet. Inspired by this phenomenon, the Northern Maine Ice Busters set their sights on breaking this record.
In April 2018, NMIB constructed a carousel measuring 427 feet in diameter, securing their first world record.
The Competitive Spirit
The record for the world’s largest ice carousel has been highly contested. After NMIB’s 2018 achievement, a Canadian team in Clerval, Québec built a 688-foot carousel in 2019, overtaking the record. The following year, in February 2020, the Zwilling family from Little Falls, Minnesota, extended the record to 750 feet.
NMIB reclaimed the record in April 2021 with a colossal 1,234-foot diameter carousel on Long Lake in St. Agatha. However, the record was soon broken in 2022 by the Zwillings with a 1,325-foot carousel, followed by Janne Käpylehto’s team reclaiming the title in early 2023 with a staggering 1,692-foot carousel.
The 2023 World Record Attempt
Undeterred by previous losses, NMIB aimed to reclaim the record in April 2023. Led by Roger Morneault, the team meticulously planned the project in advance. Volunteers gathered at Long Lake Country Club in St. David, Maine, to execute their ambitious plan.
Despite technical challenges, including motors freezing due to extreme cold, the team innovatively used a potato harvester motor and even Roger’s truck to set the ice in motion. Their determination paid off when their 1,776-foot diameter carousel successfully spun, reclaiming the world record and marking their third world record in five years.
Legacy and Impact
The Northern Maine Ice Busters are more than record-holders—they symbolize the power of community, creativity, and resilience. Their events attract spectators and volunteers, bringing energy to Maine’s long winters and supporting charitable causes. Their story continues to inspire others to dream big and collaborate to achieve extraordinary goals.
Ice Carousel History
The tradition of ice carousels began in 2017 when Finnish engineer Janne Käpylehto created the first known ice carousel in Lohja, Finland, with a diameter of 400 feet
Inspired by this phenomenon, the Northern Maine Ice Busters set their sights on breaking this record.
In April 2018, NMIB constructed a carousel measuring 427 feet in diameter, securing their first world record.
After NMIB’s 2018 achievement, Jean-François Richard, along with ten of his friends and colleagues in Clerval, Québec built a 688-foot carousel in 2019, overtaking the record.
In February 2020, the Zwilling family from Little Falls, Minnesota, extended the record to 750 feet.
NMIB reclaimed the record in April 2021 with a colossal 1,234-foot diameter carousel on Long Lake in St. Agatha, Maine.
The record was soon broken in 2022 by the Zwillings with a 1,325-foot carousel,
Janne Käpylehto's Finnish team reclaimed the title in February 2023 with a staggering 1,692-foot carousel.
Undeterred by previous losses, NMIB aimed to reclaim the record in April 2023.
Their determination paid off when their 1,776-foot diameter carousel successfully spun, reclaiming the world record and marking their third world record in five years.
NMIB is gearing up for their most ambitious project yet: the 2025 International Ice Carousel Attempt. Scheduled for March 2025, this groundbreaking event will be held on the St. John River, bridging Van Buren, Maine, USA, and St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada.
This attempt is unique for its international collaboration. NMIB plans to carve and rotate a massive 207-foot-wide ice carousel, marking the first time an ice carousel will span two countries.