Frozen sculptures take center stage at annual Downers Grove Ice Fest

Forget the scary spinouts and the glazed windshields and the treacherous sidewalks for a minute and take a look at ice through a different prism.

That's what the folks at the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation invite people to do at the village's annual Ice Fest celebration Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9.

“We do a live ice carving on Friday night at 5:30 p.m., that goes to 7 or 7:30 p.m.,” said Erin Venezia, the organization's interim executive director.

The dramatic effect produced by the after-dark carving draws crowds to the corner of Main and Curtiss streets and the surrounding shopping district.

By early Saturday morning, 46 pre-carved ice sculptures, commissioned by downtown merchants, will be delivered for display.

Many of the figures illustrate, in icy detail, the nature of the respective businesses and will be crafted by Nadeau Ice Sculptures of Forest Park. Sculptures will include a diamond ring, a snowboarder, a shamrock, Batman, a unicorn, a whiskey bottle and a hockey player.

Nearby, Venezia said, the Downers Grove Public Library will offer attractions to compliment the outdoor fun. The character Elsa from Disney's “Frozen” will be at the library from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet fans and participate in a singalong. Children's winter-themed crafts also will be available.

Two live carvings will be demonstrated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. One will be at the Main Street train station, while the other will be at 5150 Main St., directly south of the Cellar Door Wine Shop, Venezia said.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ on Curtiss Street will host a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

“It's a fun day. It's a wonderful winter weekend,” she said. “Everyone will be ready to be out of the house.”