Carlisle hosted its 10th annual Ice Fest this past weekend, and the weather took Ice Fest literally. With a snow squall on Friday, and a below negative windchill Saturday, store owners ushered in bundled customers with hot chocolate, tea, mulled wine and hot cider.
With over 100 sculptures glistening in the sun, Carlisle was busy as residents and students braved the cold to carry on the beloved tradition.
The ice sculptures included a wide range of images from animals such as cats and penguins to a Molly Pitcher photo opportunity. Many sculptures stay the same from year to year, for example, Dickinson College usually displays the same mermaid and PNC Bank has a funny jail cell photo opportunity. The ice chair made reappearance next to the Cumberland Country Memorial on the town square.
This year was different for some shops. Unfortunately, the well-known Georgie Lou’s Retro Candy shared on Facebook they would not have an ice sculpture on display.
“We hope even though we felt we couldn’t afford an ice sculpture this year that all of you will stop by and see us during Ice Art Fest this coming weekend. Please enjoy some photos of our past sculptures in place of a new sculpture this year. Chocogeddon caused such an unexpected outpouring of funds to replace what we lost that we just couldn’t make an ice sculpture make sense this year. Thank you for understanding, we hope to see you soon!” Georgie Lou’s Facebook statement said.
This year, Ice Fest featured special events such as live carvings with Ice Concepts, The Snow Zone located next to Cumberland County Historical Society, and live music between Bourbon Cowgirl and The Greatest Gift.
Although Nonna Ilva did not have an ice sculpture, the restaurant hosted a pop-up with a limited menu in their new location at 141 W High Street before the restaurant officially opened.
Each sculpture had back lighting at night, and they all lined the local businesses in the heart of Carlisle.
