Fire and Ice, Carving Competitions Highlight Plymouth Ice Festival

This week’s polar weather is perfect for the Plymouth Ice Festival, which organizers say is the largest free ice festival in Michigan.

The focus of the 33rd annual festival, which runs Friday-Sunday in downtown Plymouth, remains on the air of ice carving.

The festival runs from 3-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Sculptures will be available for viewing 24 hours a day and will remain standing after the event, as long as the cold weather holds out.

Some highlights include:

Opening ceremony, 7 p.m. Friday: Ribbon cutting with city of Plymouth commission members.

Fire and Ice, presented by Reyka Vodka, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: Fire and ice are combined to create a dazzling display. Towers will burn for about two hours after they’re lighted at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

“Dueling Chainsaws,” 7 p.m. Saturday: Ice carvers are given 15 minutes, a block of ice and chainsaws to display their creativity.

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Genisys Credit Union College Carving Competitions: The 2015 Plymouth Ice Festival is partnering with local colleges and universities to produce the 33nd annual college carving competition in Kellogg Park. Watch live carving by talented college student participants as they compete to win a place on the podium in their sculpture category. All judging is done by experienced and professional judges. The individual carving competition takes place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, with awards at 1 p.m.; and the team competition takes place from 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, with awards at 1 p.m.

Jazz vocalist Cynthia Kaay Bennett, 3 p.m. Saturday, Plymouth District Library 223 S. Main St.: Accompanied by Kevin Korecki on piano and Will Kinsy on drums, Bennett promises to warm the Ice Festival audience.

Wintertime Festival Food, throughout the festival: Festival favorites like elephant ears, popcorn, roasted almonds and hot chocolate can be enjoyed on-site or in the warmth of the DTE Energy Hot Spot, where tables and chairs are provided all weekend long. If you’re looking for a meal indoors, there are many tasty options within walking distance in downtown Plymouth, from fine dining to a quick bite, candy, cookies and ice cream. Check out www.downtownplymouth.org for a complete restaurant listing.

Players from the Detroit Red Wings will be on hand to help you with your wrist shot, cross-country skiing will be offered at Kellogg Park and there are many other family activities planned during the three-day festival. Get a full schedule of activities here.