43rd Plymouth Ice Festival set for Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2

    Visitors to the Plymouth Ice Show this year certainly won’t be disappointed in the sculptures filling Kellogg Park and throughout the downtown area Jan. 31, Feb.1 and 2.

    James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment who produces the event each year, said there will be plenty of spectacular artwork displayed on city sidewalks in front of nearly every business along with the larger carvings on display in Kellogg Park. In addition, several traditional festival features will be back to entertain crowds.
    The event is expected to see as many as 100,000 visitors this year as the event continues to attract crowds from throughout the area. As the audiences and crowds grow, Gietzen continues to add features while ensuring the events families have come to enjoy return each year.
    The tubing run, always one of the most popular events at the festival, will be back along with the Family Petting Farm and pony rides. Last year, the animals attracted a large crowd of younger visitors, all eager to touch and pet the various animal visitors. The pony rides are especially popular, Gietzen noted, as the animals are calm and well cared for. The petting farm and pony rides will be located next to the ice playground this year.
    A record crowd is expected again this year at the Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 event unless Mother Nature decides to send one of the 40- or 50-degree temperature fluctuations experienced in the area lately. The weather is always the uncontrollable element in producing the event. Gietzen said temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s would be ideal for maintaining the artistry of the sculptures and be reasonably comfortable for visitors. Gietzen said weather that is too warm is just as damaging to attendance as uncomfortable cold.
    Gietzen and his crew have faced both extremes in their experience at the Ice Festival, along with about the worst weather phenomena for the event: rain. He and the crew have seen years where despite their efforts to cover the sculptures with tented tarps and awnings, rain has pretty much destroyed the sculptors’ work.
    “Weather is always a factor,” Gietzen said, “but this is always such a great opportunity for families to have something fun to do during the colder weather. It really is a good time.” He said he believes people look forward to having a fun destination after the holidays.
    The Ice Throne in Kellogg Park will be available for family photos as it has been for several years along with an interactive ice playground for children. The Hot Spot, located in The Gathering across from Kellogg Park will be open during festival hours to warm up visitors.
    The Hot Spot is provided annually by Ehlers Heating and Cooling. The Gathering will also be the place local vendors, artisans and visitors will have information available and items for sale.