Winter Fest to debut in Barrington Feb. 26

Editor's note: This article was updated to say that the event is Feb. 26.

Barrington's first "Brr-ington Winter Fest" will make its debut later this month.

The Feb. 26 event organized by the village will feature ice-carving demonstrations, a meet-and-greet with favorite "Frozen" Disney characters Elsa and Anna, face painting, activities and games for kids, and, of course, traditional winter chocolate treats.

"It seems like people are really excited about it, and I'm definitely excited to bring a fun and family-friendly event to the community," said Amy Seklecki, who recently was hired as events and marketing manager for the village.

Nadeau's Ice Sculptures, based in Forest Park, will create two ice sculptures - one of them a snowman, the other a surprise - measuring about 40 inches in height and 20 inches across. A carver will be working for about two hours, and a carver's assistant will be available to answer questions from the public, said Brenda Patterson, sales manager for Nadeau's.

Communities have especially embraced outdoor winter activities like ice sculpting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Patterson said.

"This is a way for people to celebrate being together and sill maintain some distance," she said. "People seem to thrive on community and doing things together, and this has been a great way for people to come together as towns."

After the event, the ice sculptures will be displayed outside Barrington's village hall.

The event also will feature s'mores and hot chocolate while supplies last. The hot cocoa station will offer pairings like cinnamon sticks, candy canes, marshmallows, cookies and more.

Brr-ington Winter Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in a fenced area of the parking lot of the village's Metra station, 201 S. Spring St.

Public parking is available in open areas of the lot at 206 S. Hough St., and the overflow lot at 134-198 Park Ave.