LIGONIER —
When it’s for viewing rather than driving, ice can be nice.
The 22nd annual Ligonier Ice Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday in downtown Ligonier.
Ice carving by Ernie DeMartino will begin at 10 a.m. both days, and frozen sculptures created by DeMartino and his crew will be displayed throughout the Diamond area and along the streets of Ligonier.
A new event this year will be a speed-carving contest, which will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday.
DeMartino’s ice sculptors will create a masterpiece of their choice in less than 30 minutes, and the audience will vote for the best one.
“There will be four ice sculptors, one on each quadrant of the Diamond,” said Holly Mowrey, executive director of Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event. “There will be tickets, and people can vote for their favorite.
“Ernie came up with the idea and asked us if we wanted to try it,” Mowrey said.
“We thought it would be great on Sunday.”
Weather-wise, Mowrey is hoping for temperatures in the 30s, and the 10-day forecast calls for 34 degrees this weekend.
Various organizations will serve food and provide entertainment on Saturday.
A spaghetti dinner will be hosted by the Ligonier Volunteer Hose Co. No. 1 beginning at 11 a.m. in the town hall community room.
Glass City Swing Band will present a free concert at 2 p.m. at the town hall auditorium.
“Winter Tales,” story reading and craft projects for children ages 10 and younger, will be held at 2 at Ligonier Valley Library.
“Winter Chill Chaser,” with wine tasting, homemade soups and breads and live music, will be presented at 3 at Ligonier Theater.
Another new addition is entertainment on Sunday.
Swing City will perform at 12:30 p.m. in the town hall auditorium.
Horse-and-buggy rides will be available all weekend, weather permitting.
The ice fest is held regardless of weather, and the illuminated sculptures may be viewed 24 hours a day during the festival.
If you go ...
What: 22nd annual Ligonier Ice Fest.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Downtown Ligonier.
Admission: Free.
Information: www.visitligonier.com.
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