Reprinted with permission of
the Journal-News
From the JournalNews
Temperatures were well below freezing, the wind was swirling
between the buildings and smiling, bundled-up people were everywhere in
downtown Hamilton. It was IceFest 2004. Congratulations to the people of
Hamilton, Butler County, and the surrounding region for turning out for what
was a perfect day of outdoor winter activities. A few people may say there’s
nothing to do in Hamilton, but the 20,000 who attended IceFest would certainly
disagree!
As IceFest chairwoman, I know how many people — all unpaid
volunteers — it takes to stage an event like this one and to make it work so
smoothly. Nevertheless, the outcome was truly beyond even our wildest
expectations. I’m so thankful to our more than 100 sponsors, large and small,
who helped make this IceFest so special. And I must thoroughly commend the city
of Hamilton for its total support and cooperation.
When we saw literally thousands of people crowding
Hamilton’s streets and sidewalks on Friday night — children of ALL ages — we on
the organizing committee were so proud and happy. Our months of hard work had
really paid off. Beginning with the fantastic all day preview on Thursday of
ice carving at One Renaissance center, our Patriotic Patio, the wonderful Friday
night Fire and Ice event and the thousands and thousands who came out on
Saturday to admire the sculptures and see the amazing ice artists at work in
one of the best ice carving competitions in the Midwest with the grand finale
the human sled race.
I am confident that this glorious event helped to shorten
the winter by getting people out of the house to enjoy and appreciate art in a
most unique application as well as to enjoy and appreciate what we have in
downtown Hamilton.
Thanks to the JournalNews for its outstanding coverage and,
again, thanks to the hundreds of volunteers and contributors, both individuals
and businesses, without whom this would not have been possible.
Trudy Marcum
Chair, IceFest 2004
Hamilton