Ice slide is big hit at York's second FestivIce
Laugh at the cold.
That was the theme behind FestivIce – downtown York’s second winter festival – Saturday afternoon, and that’s exactly what several thousand did. Especially those who sledded down the ice slide.
This 40-yard slide set up in Cherry Lane Park was one of the new additions to the festival, previously held at Santander Stadium. And it was a big hit among the children.
“I like it more than snow sledding,” 5-year-old Bennett King, of Springettsbury Township, said after giggling the whole way down. “Ice sledding is better because you can go really fast – faster than I can run!”
Adam Nugent, York Revolution director of special events, said the Revolution moved the festival to the Market District this year so it had more room to expand and support local business.
This way, Nugent said guests could bounce in and out of local shops to warm up so they could enjoy the festival all day long.
With the move, Nugent said attendance increased by a couple thousand. Last year, the festival drew about 1,100 over two days.
Some of the most popular attractions this year included live music, ice sculptures, bounce houses, marshmallow roasting, crafts with Anna and Elsa and caricatures.
“It’s all about family-friendly fun,” Nugent said. “Bringing stuff to town that gets York and the surrounding area excited.”
Layla Boyse, of York City, said she also liked that the festival was a chance to get out of the house for a few hours during winter – a time when they're usually cooped up inside.
“It’s a little brisk, but it feels good,” she said.
