Inaugural Ice Fest Invites Intrigue to Manayunk

With a recent winter storm, Manayunk has seen the negative side of frozen water. But at an inaugural exhibition , the hopes ice equals nice.

In a three-day spectacle featuring world-renowned ice sculptors, Manayunk on Ice intends to wow patrons into baring the elements and embracing winter.

Event organizer and MDC executive director Jane Lipton wanted another large-scale event to entice business to Main Street. The February festival was especially important, as "winter is the toughest quarter for businesses," she said. 

"We listened to merchants and restaurateurs, and their thought was that most events compete with their businesses, as we bring in outside vendors," Lipton said, referring to the Manayunk Arts and EcoArts festivals.

"We wanted to do an event that would not have them competing for dollars. We just want to bring visitors into the district for something special."

And her friend, Peter Slavin answered the call. The owner of Fear No Ice—a Philadelphia-based sculpting company—suggested the festival, and has served as ice consultant since.

"This unique winter festival... is a fun, free family outing that offers the best of both worlds—the chance to get outdoors in the dead of winter and watch artisans with chain saws create beauty out of blocks of ice, coupled with plenty of warm, welcoming restaurants and shops to chase away the chill," Lipton said.

Spread over the weekend of Feb. 11 to 13, the festival features a host of family friendly events, including:

• Friday—An ice bonfire during opening ceremonies
• Saturday—23 ice sculptures scattered throughout Main Street, followed by an ice carving competition and a performance from Slavin
• Sunday—Master carvers will compete among each other for Manayunk supremacy

On back-to-back days, world-class carvers—and members of the National Ice Carving Association—will battle head-to-head. Industry stars like Don Rebholz, Kevin Roscoe, Vivatt Hong Pong and Slavin will participate. 

If anything else, Lipton said she wants people from throughout the Philadelphia area to kick the winter blues and come to Manayunk.

"I just wanted to remind people that Manayunk is here, and it's a fun place to shop and have fun. People can get something to eat, walk along the towpath and enjoy the trails."

For more information, visit Manayunk.com.