IceFest 2003 features over 100 ice sculptures

HAMILTON — Haven’t seen the Eiffel Tower in person? How about the Statue of Liberty? Well, if you travel downtown, you will be able to see both — albeit in ice.

The second annual Icefest started Friday night as more than 100 ice sculptures were on display from various sponsors around the city.

Becky and Bill Schafer, along with neighbor Lynn Baird, of Hamilton, came out as a group in the 18-degree weather (wind chill factor 11 degrees) — to see the sculptures.

“It is intriguing to see the sculptures, but it will be even more intriguing to see them make the sculptures (today),” Bill Schafer said.

The Schafers and Baird were three of thousands in attendance lined up on High Street near the courthouse to see the sculptures.

“I saw (the sculptures) last year, but they were mostly melted by that second day,” Baird said.

Dianne Scarbriel from Parrish Law Firm in Hamilton was out there at 6 p.m. Friday night to see all of the sculptures in their splendor.

“It’s beautiful to see all of these sculptures lit up,” Scarbriel said. “My boss said to come down to the Icefest to see the sculptures. He said it would be awesome, and it is.”

Sculptures ranging from a Chevron gas pump to SpongeBob Squarepants holding a toothbrush were on display for families to see.

The activities Friday night kicked off with a Fire and Ice celebration held at the Hamiltonian.

“This turned out to be incredible,” Debbie Cisle, of the Fire and Ice celebration said.

More than 500 people were in the ballroom — which was turned into a ski lodge — around the Pepsi ice sculpture in front of the bar.

“There has just been an overwhelming response from the community,” Cisle said, “It was wonderful to see people come together to make the Hamiltonian feel like a ski lodge.”