Seven of the top ice carvers from around the Midwest will bring their tools and their talents to Carmel this weekend for three days of ice carving competitions and demonstrations as the City of Carmel presents the second annual Festival of Ice, a fun and free event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at two locations.
Beginning on Main Street Friday night and moving to the Ice at Center Green on Saturday and Sunday, visitors will get the chance to watch the creation of magnificent sculptures come to life right before their eyes – while enjoying hot soups and cold suds from Arts & Design District restaurants on Friday; hot chili from the Carmel Fire Department and a unique ice bar from Danny Boy Beer Works on Saturday; wrapping up the weekend on Sunday with an exciting “carve-off” competition featuring head-to-head, fast-paced carvings on stage at Center Green.
“Carmel loves to celebrate the arts, whether it’s a summer day on Main Street or a winter day around the ice rink,” said Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations and Economic Development. “This weekend is a rare opportunity to witness the art of creating beauty from a simple block of ice. But make sure you come early; these sculptures might not stay frozen for long, thanks to the mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing.”
The professional sculptors, who compete in similar competitions around the Midwest each year, include Greg Butauski, Sunbury, Ohio; Jeff Petercsak, Westerville, Ohio; Lauren Klapec, White Lake, Mich.; Matthew Stoddart, Lexington, Ky.; Michael Stoddart, Lexington, Ky.; Shannon Gerasimchik, Columbus, Ohio; and Stephan Koch, Daleville, Ind. Several of these pros are making their second appearance in Carmel.
Friday night’s ice carving will take place on select street corners up and down Main Street from 4 to 8 p.m. Knowing the potential for a cold winter night, several restaurants will be offering special “soups and suds” to enjoy. They include Muldoon’s Homemade Irish Stew and a Pint of Guinness ($10 special); Woody’s Library Roasted Tomato Bisque topped with balsamic glaze and All-American Cheeseburger soup topped with oven baked croutons, plus $1 off draft beers; Pint Room’s Chili and Side Salad ($8) and Bier Brewery Wizard Tears IPA ($6); Donatello’s Italian meatball soup with Moretti and Moretti Rossi beer for $4; Agave Chicken Tortilla Soup/Vegetable Soup with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sam Adams Winter Lager; MudBugs’ 15 percent off any gumbos or other entrees or a free order of beignets with any regular entree or poboy purchase.
Saturday morning kicks off at Center Green with “Ice Sculpting 101” where you can sign up and take an actual class to learn the art of sculpting; followed by giant-sized carving demonstrations and competition from noon to 5 p.m.; the Firehouse Chili Cook-Off presented by Citizens State Bank from noon to 3 p.m.; Ice Bar and Luge presented by Danny Boy Beer Works (21 and over) from noon to 5 p.m.; kids play area from noon to 5 p.m.; and a Live DJ from noon to 5 p.m. Additional sponsorship was provided by K-LOVE 101.9 FM. The winning sculpture will be announced at 5:15 p.m. after a public ballot vote.
On Sunday, the ice carvers will return to Center Green for the grand finale, a fast-paced “carve off” featuring head-to-head competition on stage in a tournament style format with time limits for each carving. The winner will be determined with the help of the crowd.
Along with the Festival of Ice, the Ice at Center Green ice rink will be open for ice skating all weekend as well. Ice skaters will be able to see the sculptures as they skate.
For more information on the Festival, the Ice at Center Green and other upcoming events, go to TheIceAtCenterGreen.com.