Bundle up and bring the family to Ligonier for the borough’s 21st annual Ice Fest.

The festivities take place Saturday and Sunday around the Diamond and on East and West Main and North and South Market streets.

More than 40 ice sculptures carved by DiMartino Ice Co. of Jeannette, Westmoreland County, will be on display.

Cindy Purnell, festival chairwoman, is anticipating cloudy and cold weather – conditions that afford visitors the best atmosphere to enjoy the festivities.

“The lack of snow this winter concerns us because it does add to the atmosphere when people walk around the Diamond and watch the carvers in action,” Purnell said.

“While visitors can see the ice sculptures from their cars, we want people to walk around and take part in some of the family-oriented activities we have planned.”

Ernie DiMartino and his crew have created ice sculptures for the Ligonier festival for every one of its 20 years.

Three generations from DiMartino Ice have spent decades presenting live ice-carving demonstrations for winter carnivals and festivals.

Although some of the sculptures are done beforehand and transported to the borough, many are carved on-site while visitors watch the creations take form.

Carving will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday.

DiMartino said his crew will start to set up at 8, and there are always early birds who come to watch.

“I will be bringing six other carvers, including some apprentices, to handle the carving chores in Ligonier,” he said. “We are very busy this time of year with working every day at the ice plant and going to festivals and ice carnivals on most weekends.”

DiMartino views ice sculpting the same as other artists view working in traditional media.

“Most people are surprised how fast we can turn out a piece and the different tools we use, including a chain saw,” he said.

DiMartino admitted that some failures do occur, but most of the carvers recover quickly.

“We have techniques we can use to recover, but it also adds a little drama for the public,” he said.

DiMartino has turned over much of the carving operations to his nephew, Jarad McAlister, who has been sculpting since 2007 and particularly enjoys working at the Ligonier festival..

“Many of the sculptures are based on business sponsors’ requests, but we also have an opportunity to create our own,” McAlister said. “We can show what we can do as artists, and organizers give us free rein to try new ideas and new techniques.”

Past ice sculptures have been animals, flowers, fish, replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Ligonier’s bandstand and fountain, Elvis on the bandstand, and a teddy bear chair.

Various organizations will be serving food and providing entertainment.

Ligonier Volunteer Hose Company No. 1 will hold a spaghetti dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the community room of Ligonier Town Hall. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12 years old.

Children can enjoy Winter Tales and Crafts activity at 2 p.m. in the Ligonier Valley Library.

“The children’s librarian, Linda Norris, will read a story and help children create a craft,” Purnell said. “The activity is free and allows children to come in from the cold and do something enjoyable."

Valley Players of Ligonier will hold a Chill Chaser by offering wine, soup and a hearty bread from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Ligonier Theater. Cost is $20 a person and reservations are requested by calling (724) 238-6514.

Cathi Rhodes, the theater’s executive director, recommends reservations so organizers have an idea of how much food to prepare.

“We most likely will make enough soup to accommodate some walk-ins, but to be on the safe side, a reservation would be best,” Rhodes said.

A free big-band concert by the Graham Grubb Orchestra will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday at town hall.

Popcorn will be served from a copper kettle on the Diamond, and area merchants will hold indoor sidewalk sales.

The ice fest is held regardless of weather, and the illuminated sculptures may be viewed 24 hours a day during the festival.

Information (724) 238-4200.

If you go ...

What: 21st annual Ligonier Ice Fest.

Where: Around the Diamond, East and West Main streets, North and South Market streets.

When: Saturday and Sunday.

Information: (724) 238-4200.

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