For some, the thought of winter carries the fear of below-freezing temperatures and activities restricted to the warm, heated indoors. However, for those who look forward to the cold winter months, another enjoyable option is a festival celebrating one of the things there is always an abundance of this time of year: ice!
In February, the Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority is sponsoring the First Annual Harbor Springs Ice Fest on Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9.
The events begin at 12 p.m. on Friday and will include a wide variety of activities, music, contests, and shows for all ages—whether you like the cold or not! “We will have over 30 ice sculptures, live carving demos, a music venue, carriage rides, a special movie showing at the Lyric and demos of snowshoeing, ice boats (ice on the bay permitting), and sled dogs,” says Cyndi Kramer, who is one of the committee members for the weekend event.
So, get out of the house and enjoy what beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer in Downtown Harbor Springs. You’ll be happy you did, even if you end up resembling one of the ice sculptures they have on display by the end. See below for a full list of events and times.
For more information, visit the Downtown Harbor Springs website.
Harbor Springs Ice Fest Events
Friday, February 8
12 p.m. Ice fest begins! Sculptures will be put up around downtown.
12–6 p.m. Geocache search
3:30 p.m. Small block live carving in The Outfitter’s parking lot on Third Street
3:30–5 p.m. Face painting at the Blue Berry on Main Street
4 p.m. Storytime at the Harbor Springs Library
5 p.m. Small block live carving at the waterfront on Bay Street
7–9 p.m. SINGO at the Pier Restaurant (music bingo!)
Saturday, February 9
10 a.m. Day two begins! Live small block carving at Irish Boat Shop on Bay Street
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Live music starts at Karen Rolfe Gallery on Bay Street
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet the sled dogs in Zorn Park
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Snowshoe demo by The Outfitter in Zorn Park
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Fat-tire bike demo by Touring Gear in Zorn Park
11 a.m. Special showing of Ice Age at the Lyric Theatre on Main Street
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Medium block live carving demo at Shay Park between Main and Bay streets
11 a.m. String art class at Gather on Main Street
1–2 p.m. Dueling Chainsaws live carving demo at Zorn Park on Bay Street
1 p.m. Winter scenes on glass tiles class at Gather on Main Street
2–4 p.m. Take the Chill Off Chili Cook-Off at Holy Childhood Church on Main Street
3 p.m. Small block live carving demo at Boyer’s parking lot at State and Main streets
4 p.m. Small block live carving demo on Merchant’s Walkway between Main and Bay streets
4:30–6 p.m. S’mores outside at Pierson’s Grille and Spirits