Awesome entertainment on, in and in the general vicinity of, ice

NEWS RELEASE

THE SAULT EVENTS

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SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. - There is no need to hibernate indoors all month when you can find fun in the frozen at the Second Annual Winter Ice Festival, Jan. 27-28. After a successful start last year, The Sault Events promises an even bigger, better experience this year.

Three very unique artists will bring their tools and talents to more than 40 blocks of ice around Sault Ste. Marie during the two-day event. Ice Creations, an Ohio-based company, will wow spectators as they wield picks, chainsaws, and other devices to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind ice sculptures.

Mary Jo DuVall, event coordinator, said at least two of the carvings will have an interactive feel to them this year.

“An ice throne will be carved, sponsored by McDonalds, and people will be welcome to sit on it. They can also visit Arlington Street, where 9 & 10 News will have a carved picture frame outside of their office and people are invited to pose for pictures with it,” she explained. 

Ice Wars, sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be the main event on Saturday night, when the three professionals accept suggestions from the crowd and then “battle” for bragging rights as the most successful sculptor.

“We were thrilled to bring this back because the kids really enjoyed this last year,” explained Linda Hoath, CVB Executive Director. “The people in the audience are so engaged and they even decide the winner.”

The Ice Wars event will take place at 6pm on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Farmer’s Market area on the corner of Ashmun Street and Portage Avenue. Hot chocolate and cookies will be readily available to keep tummies warm during the one-hour event.

In that same area, United Way will host a bonfire from 5-7 p.m., with music adding to the festive environment.

During the day on both Friday and Saturday, downtown stores will offer special discounts and the sculptors will be found at a variety of locations creating their masterpieces. A map will be available outlining the locations of all ice carvings.

A number of local businesses and the City of Sault Ste. Marie join the Sault CVB in sponsoring the event. Ice creations will remain standing as long as weather permits, but the chance to see the artists transform plain blocks of ice into interesting shapes (including a snowmobile!) happens only during this two-day event.

Organizers say that next year’s festival will likely include an amateur ice carving contest, so be sure to attend this year for a healthy dose of inspiration.

The Winter Ice Festival is a free, family-friendly event. For more information, call The Sault Events at (906)632-3366.

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