Wheaton preps for first ice festival

Large, sparkling pieces of ice will be sawed and chiseled into detailed sculptures later this month during Wheaton's first ice festival.

The new Ice(cubed) Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at Martin Memorial Plaza, near the corner of Main and Front streets.

Highlights will include a sculptor from Chicago Ice Works, who will conduct ice carving demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m., and specials from area businesses.

Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington said she hopes the event encourages families to get outside and enjoy the downtown area together.

"In the dead of winter, especially January, after the holiday season, I think people are looking for something different to do, to get out of the house," she said, adding that the month is also usually a slow one for businesses. "An ice fest seemed fitting."

The association took a look at similar events in nearby towns and found them to be fairly successful, Barrington said.

"It's a lot of fun to actually watch them take a large block of ice … and over time shape that into a design that's recognizable," she said, adding that two blocks of ice will be transformed in the plaza during the event.

In addition, several restaurants and stores will have specials in conjunction with the event.

Ivy Restaurant, for example, is hosting an "ice bar" on an outdoor patio Friday, Jan. 23, as well as on the day of the fest. Other businesses, such as the soon-to-open Gia Mia Pizza Bar, have agreed to sponsor an ice sculpture.

"It reminds people that business is here and we're open during the lull month of January," Barrington said.

Seven sculptures with a "winter land" theme will be completed beforehand and placed on display on the day of the festival, too, Barrington said.

Figures that will be created to match the theme include snowflakes, a snowman and people ice skating, tobogganing and sledding.

Those sculptures can be found throughout the downtown area, including the corners of Front and Hale streets, Hale and Wesley streets, West and Front streets, Front and Cross streets and Main and Wesley streets. They all will remain on display until they melt.

Organizers say the hope, of course, is for temperatures to be low enough that the ice isn't affected on the day of the festival, but also at a comfortable level for attendees.

"It's going to be a great day to be in downtown Wheaton, no matter what the weather," Barrington said.

If you go

If you go

What: Wheaton's Ice³ Fest, featuring ice carving demonstrations and specials from downtown businesses

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: Martin Memorial Plaza, Front and Main streets, Wheaton

Cost: Free

Info: downtownwheaton.com