Organizers hoping for a cool IceFest

HAMILTON — Organizers of IceFest 2003 have put in their weather request for the big weekend: 28 degrees and overcast.

“That way it’s not so cold that people won’t come out and the sculptures will keep,” said Jeff Stahl, who along with his partner in ice Matt Williams treated visitors to One Renaissance Plaza with a “speed-sculpting” preview exhibition Wednesday.

“A light snow would be nice for the ambiance,” said City of Sculpture committee member Trudy Marcum.

Ice sculptures will hold up well under warmer temperatures, but cloudy skies are especially important for the Jan. 24-25 event, Stahl said.

“The sun really damages them,” he said. “Even if they’re not melting fast, the sun will fracture the ice.”

Stahl and Williams, both champions in the ice-sculpting field, are partners in Arctic Diamond Inc., and among the organizers of the event.

The first IceFest, held one year ago, drew between 4,000 and 6,000 people into downtown Hamilton, according to Marcum. By expanding the festival to two days, adding several more events and increasing the marketing into outlying areas, the committee expects a significant increase this year.

The festival begins on a Friday evening with the Fire-and-Ice kick off at the Hamiltonian Hotel, said Debbie Cisle, coordinator. Cost is $15 and includes a buffet dinner from 7-9 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 896-6200.

Friday night festivities will also include a free “Technicolor Ice Walk,” a showcase of more than 100 sculptures, featuring the Ohio Frozen in Time Bicentennial Ice Sculpture, all illuminated by colored lights.

The highlight of Jan. 25 activities will be the National Ice Carver’s Association competition, in which the nation’s top ice sculptors will compete for more than $4,500 in prizes.

Activities for children will be set up in Journal Square, including a snowball toss, photo opportunities on an ice-sculpted antique car and walk-around costumed characters.

Area photographers can get in on the action with a photography contest to compete for cash awards. Contest co-chairman Bill Hartford said a special Ed Kezur Award has been set up for black-and-white photographs in memory of the late Hamilton psychiatrist Kezur, who was also a widely-exhibited photographer.

“He was a real artist in his own right, so it’s very appropriate that we included that,” Hartford said. “Black-and-white photography is completely different than color.”

Registration forms can be picked up in advance at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, at the High Street office of FifthThird Bank or at select photo processing stores in Hamilton. Entries must be taken at the festival and submitted by Feb. 11.

IceFest will conclude with another new event, a laser light show that will take place from a giant screen to be hung from the Butler County Administration Building on High Street, said City of Sculpture President Gerry Hammond. The show is called “Spirit of America,” and will be presented by Laser Fantasy International of Bellvue, Wash.

“High Street will be closed between Second and Front Streets,” she said. “People should bring their lawn chairs and blankets.”