Reprinted with permission of
the Journal-News
By Lisa A. Bernard
HAMILTON — Within two weeks downtown will transform as ice
sculptures adorn the historic Butler County Courthouse and Journal Square.
In its third year, IceFest, presented by Hamilton, Ohio City
of Sculpture, Inc., is scheduled to kick off Friday, Jan. 23. The event is
expected to draw nearly 15,000 people during its two-day span, event
coordinators said. “This event continues to grow,” said IceFest Chair Trudy
Marcum of the Hamilton City of Sculpture. “It’s free and family oriented and
with so much planned I hope everyone will be there to enjoy the weekend.
Nonetheless, it’s going to be beautifully cold.”
Centered around the ice sculpture competition on Jan. 24,
the event will showcase Olympic Ice Sculptors Matt Williams and Jeff Stahl, as
well as other sculptors from around the nation. “When you combine chain saws,
ice and art, now that’s a must-see event,” said Hamilton Vice Mayor Patrick
Moeller.
One new highlight includes appearances by eight-time
international champion Ice Sculptor Junichi Nakamura of Japan.
Nakamura is scheduled not only to compete in Saturday’s
competition, but perform a special master workshop outside the courthouse.
Also new this year is the Great Miami Valley YMCA Sled Race.
Featuring teams of at least five, crews will traverse through a downtown
obstacle course that will combine “skill and wit” to accomplish, organizers
said.
The race is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and teams can
register at all Great Miami Valley YMCA locations. Deadline for registration is
Jan. 16.
In addition to judges, Marcum said a people’s choice award
also will be given. “We’ve also added a people’s choice award for this year’s
event,” Marcum said. “We bring in paid judges from around the world for this
event, but a lot of the people that come want to ... vote. So this year they’ll
have a chance for that.
“We’re also adding a food area this year so people can sit
down, get a little warm under the tents and go back out,” she said. “But all
the local restaurants and shops will be open throughout the event. It’s going
to be great.”
For a complete listing of events or for more information on IceFest 2004, log onto www.cityofsculpture.org.