Ice breakers

City of Plymouth expects 20,000 visitors to annual Ice Festival

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, the 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is set to transform downtown Plymouth into a winter wonderland, organizers said.  This year, Michigan First Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor of the event which annually draws nearly 20,000 visitors into downtown Plymouth.

Highlights of the event this year will feature the stars of the event, the spectacular ice sculptures. Producer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment said smaller sculptures will be displayed at local businesses while the larger artworks will be installed at Kellogg Park.

Again this year, the Ice Throne is expected to be the setting for hundreds of family photos. Visitors will feel like Ice Festival royalty as they take a seat atop the unique Ice Throne. This activity has been a tradition for many families, as they return for that picture every year, Gietzen said. 

Another traditional attraction at the festival will be the Hot Spot located in The Gathering across from Kellogg Park. Each year, Ehlers Heating and Cooling provides the warmth at the site which features local vendors, businesses, product demonstrations, a sitting area to allow for a respite from sculpture viewing. The Hot Spot is open during official hours of the festival.

Returning this year is the popular Petting Farm, also presented by Michigan First Credit Union.

Carousel Acres will be offering a hands-on experience with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, an alpaca and even a baby calf. This activity is a top attraction for children, or those young at heart. This year, the Petting Farm will also feature pony rides. The Petting Farm will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

And back by popular demand is the Tubing Run. The Plymouth Ice Festival tubing run features more than 100 feet of tubing excitement and fun for the whole family, Gietzen said. The Tubing Run will be open from 6 until 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2; from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4. 

Another traditional attraction at the annual event will be the Party Lot and Ice Bar located at E.G. Nicks restaurant located at 500 Forest Ave. The Ice Bar in front of the popular restaurant will be open all three days of the festival. The Party Lot in the back parking lot will feature music and dancing from Ava James and The Rumors on Friday, Feb. 3 and music from Power Play Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Festival visitors usually can't resist the fresh roasted almonds, elephant ears and mini donuts available at the food booths and wagons. 

The event also features a Polish food booth inside the Hotspot warming station. In addition, all the restaurants in the downtown area will be offering some of their best menu items during the festival. 

The popular Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Bingo game will also return this year. Visitors can stop in participating businesses and collect enough stickers to get a bingo on their playing card which then makes them eligible for a special prize from The Plymouth DDA.

This year, the Plymouth Ice Festival is set for 5 until 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4. 

For more information, visit www.plymouthicefest.com or on social media @PlymouthIce Festival.