Manayunk On Ice Returns For Three-Day Weekend

Whatever the temperatures, Main Street will chill out again this weekend, as the second annual Manayunk on Ice returns Friday to Sunday.

With ice carvings, ice displays, ice drinks, ice fashion—ice everything—the three-day festival offers competitions, art and food all along Main Street.

Put on by the , Manayunk on Ice began in 2011 and incorporates a Friday bonfire, a Saturday competition and live performance, and a Sunday master carver expo.

At present, twenty-one carvers (possibly more) will come to Manayunk this weekend in two competitions of ice mastery. On Saturday, National Ice Carving Association members will vie for a $1,000 cash prize on the subject of "passion." While master carvers on Sunday will tackle "obsession" in another Sunday competition.

Public performances are a large part of Manayunk on Ice, with a Fire and Ice opening ceremony bonfire Friday, and a Saturday Fear No Ice performance from local master carver, Peter Slavin. 

From the MDC, Howard Moseley, Jr. said this year there would be more preparation for crowd control to ensure enjoyable views.

"So many people showed up to see the carvers last year—it was great for the district—but there was such a crowd, it was difficult to see," he said.

This year, Manayunk rented bleachers to improve the show.

The development corporation was floored with how successful the 2011 event was. Mosely said the big takeaway from its members was they said it was too small.

"We worked hard to make it bigger. And the day of, we'll see if it's better," he said.

Before the bonfire, this year three new events will take place—a spicy food contest, an icy spirit contest and a mini fashion walk. Also on tap all weekend, there will be 30 ice sculptures on and along Main Street in front of businesses. 

For a complete schedule, visit Manayunk.com.