PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -
The Plymouth Ice Festival kicks off Friday Jan. 18 with activities starting in the late afternoon. Visitors can expect a variety of creative ice sculptures, activities, demonstrations and events.
Festival directors have been working hard to make sure 2013 tops last year's 30th anniversary celebration.Traditions, new ice sculptures and family events can be expected, all with the goal to keep participants excited and returning.
Click the video player to watch a report from FOX 2's Amy Andrews.
Some of the ice sculptures are even interactive and will remain standing after the event, weather permitting.
"Like any event, the key to keeping it fresh year after year is maintaining the balance between upholding traditional elements of the festival while bringing in new ones," said Sam Walton, Producer of the Plymouth Ice Festival "We hope that the new activities we produce at the event keep people excited."
The Ice Festival has over 15 different options for dining. Traditional festival food, such as elephants earns, hot chocolate, hamburgers and hot dogs can be found in the main festival area. Dine-in restaurants are available throughout downtown Plymouth.
While the ice sculptures are available 24 hours a day, specific activity and demonstration hours vary throughout the weekend.
Activities, demonstrations and vendor hours:
Friday, Jan. 18: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 20: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Metro Detroit's top snowboarders and skiers will compete for cash, prizes and more on Saturday January 19. The event will take place under the lights at the Downtown Rail Jam. Any riders who wish to compete must register and pay the $10 entry fee.
For colleges, the ice festival offers a carving competition in Kellogg Park. The National Ice Carving Association (NICA) has partnered with the Plymouth Ice Festival for this event.
Gamers and friends, be sure to visit the MVP Game Party Trailer on Main Street. The heated trailer features four 50 inch screens that will display new video games and allow participants to compete against friends.
Some of the other events, activities and sculptures include:
Greenhills School Ice Skating Rink, DTE Energy Hot Spot Warming Tent (Kellogg Park)
AGA Nation Rail Jam on Forest Avenue (snowboarding)
MGM Grand Party Lot at EG Nicks
Interactive Ice Sculptures (visitors can take pictures of sculptures)
Genisys Credit Union College Carving Competitions
Parking is available in the following areas:
Off of Harvey in the central parking deck
At Harvey/Wing in the public lot
Off of Penniman by the Post Office
Off of Union by the Library/Gathering Space
Off of Church near City Hall
Admission to the Plymouth Ice Festival is free. For detailed information including a list of ice sculptures, visit www.plymouthicefestival.com. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Follow 2013 updates on Facebook www.facebook.com/plymouthicefestival and Twitter @plymouthice.
