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Have an ice weekend: IceFest 2016


CHAMBERSBURG - As the popularity of IceFest grows each year, so does the event, thanks to the tireless efforts of many volunteers, the cooperation of merchants throughout the region and the generosity of businesses like M&T Bank, sponsor of the celebration.

According to coordinator Penny Shaul, more ice sculptures than ever will be on display throughout downtown Chambersburg during the four-day festival, which will run from Thursday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 31.

This year marks the 14th year of the event, which began in 2002 as a way for the public to escape the winter doldrums and get out into the community to socialize, have fun and support area businesses.

The kickoff hosted by M&T Bank begins on Thursday at 5 p.m., with free cake and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the square, and continues through Sunday evening.

The Snowfall Ball

You can’t stay cold when you’re mingling and moving, so consider joining the dance at the annual Snowfall Ball to be held on Friday night at the Central Presbyterian Church, 40 Lincoln Way West.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and ballroom dancing begins at 7 p.m. Dance instructor Frank Hancock will conduct a workshop from 6-7 p.m. where guests can learn the cha cha and the foxtrot. Tickets will be available at the door for $10.

Warm up at the chili cook off

For just $5 per person, families can take part in the annual chili cook off held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday under the heated big tent at North Square Market parking lot on North Main Street. According to organizer Scott Fish, competitors are asked to bring 20 gallons of their best batches. Professional competitors include Fuddruckers, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lion Spicy Food Company and SpiriTrust Lutheran. Eight amateur cooks will also be competing for cash prizes during the event, which draws a crowd of around 800 each year.

Support the arts

Students of the Chambersburg Area Middle School will display their art on January 29 from 5-8 p.m. and January 30 from 11-8 p.m. at PA Counseling Services located 75 S. Main St. A variety of crafts and games will also be available for children of all ages.

Scotland and Grandview Elementary students in grades K-5 will also show off their artistic talents during the festival. Area businesses will feature more than 500 works created in a variety of mediums, from watercolor to mixed media and pastels, to name a few.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9-4 p.m. “For the Kids of Chambersburg” will present artFEST at 102 S. Main St. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to live music by Joe Blues as they watch artists complete their creations. Those who spot a painting that tickles their fancy will have the opportunity to purchase it at the auction, which begins at 4:30 p.m.

Prints & Drawings by Penn’s Woods Printmakers” will also be on display during all four days of the festival. Each year the group of area artists displays their creations, which include etchings, monotypes, collagraphs and other hand-pulled prints. The exhibit will be showcased at 1 North Main St.

Vote for your favorite cake creation

From 10-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, guests can view super hero-themed cakes crafted by talented area bakers and displayed at the Capitol Theatre Woods Center. For a $1 donation, the public can vote for their favorite and sample a slice of the sweet treats from 4-5 p.m.

Chambersburg Ballet Theatre Company presents “Flights of Fancy”

During the final day of IceFest, CBT will showcase seven short pieces of original choreography in “Flights of Fancy” at 2 and 7 p.m. An admission fee of $5 per person will be collected at the door, with children 5 and under admitted for free.

These are just a few of the many fun memory-making activities available to families during the four-day celebration, so don’t forget to bring your camera. To learn more, visit icefestpa.com