Downtown Hamilton will be transformed as IceFest returns this weekend. As the City of Sculpture’s premier community event and fundraiser. this year’s theme, ‘To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before’, pays tribute to the explorer in all of us with ice sculptures centered around the frontier of exploration, science, and technology as well as the people who have taken us there over the years.
Due to the unseasonable 50s-60s tempteratures predicted for the weekend the ice carving professionals have recommended that they put out half of the ice sculptures Friday night and the other half Saturday morning.
Friday Night: Sculptures will be put out along the courthouse lawn near dusk for the Technicolor Ice Walk which will compliment the live Fire and Ice carving demonstration occurring next to Second Street at 7pm. Our showcase carver will also be working out in front of the Government Services Building on his large 10 block showcase sculpture throughout the evening.
Saturday: Additional sculptures will be placed along High Street in front of the buildings spanning from the Government Services Building to the Key Bank building at Second Street.
Activities planned for the weekend:
Friday, January 20th: 4pm – 9pm
All Day: Amateur Photo Contest sponsored by Barclaycard
All Day: 12 block ice carving showcase – Government Service Center
4pm: Ice Sculptures along High Street from Front St to MLKJ Blvd
5pm-8pm: Children’s Area Activities at Journal Square sponsored by The Lane Libraries
4pm-8pm: ArtFest craft fair located in Government Service Center
7pm: Fire & Ice Demonstration presented by Tri-Health at Second Street
Sunset – 9pm: Technicolor Ice Walk – lighting sculpture display around Courthouse
Saturday, January 21st: 10am – 4pm
All Day: Amateur Photo Contest sponsored by Barclaycard
All Day: Ice Sculptures along High Street from Front St to MLKJ Blvd
All Day: Children’s Throne photo-op Sponsored by Rose Automotive
10am-4pm: Children’s Area Activities at Journal Square sponsored by The Lane Libraries
10am-4pm: ArtFest craft fair in Government Service Center
10am-2pm: Ice Carving Competition presented by Miami Regionals on Second St. (Mercy Hospital’s People’s Choice & Best of Show Award Ballots available at Info Booth on Second St.)
12 noon: Meijer Soap Carving Competition Awards at Courthouse Gazebo
2pm: Carruthers Family Human Sled Race on Court Street (south side of Courthouse)
3pm: Speed Carving Demonstration presented by Chaco Credit Union at Second Street
Saturday Activities hosted by the Lane Public Libraries
IceFest Activities at the Lane Tech Center: Saturday, 10AM – 2PM
Warm up during IceFest with a fun craft and hot chocolate at the Lane Libraries Community Technology Center located at 10 Journal Square, right next to the Children’s Area.
Minecraft Snowball Fight: Saturday, 10AM – 2PM
Stop in to the Lane Libraries Community Technology Center during IceFest to join an epic Minecraft snowball fight. Pick a team, create and throw Minecraft snowballs and avoid letting your opponents connect!
Meet a Penguin at IceFest!: Saturday, 12PM – 2PM
Presented by the Lane Libraries, Held at Miami University Hamilton Downtown: The Newport Aquarium’s Wave Foundation presents interesting facts about African Penguins followed by a meet and greet with a live penguin! Don’t miss this awesome program and photo op brought to you by the Lane Libraries.
