2016 Wasn't All Bad: Looking at Public Square's Success

CLEVELAND, OH - Last year wasn't all bad, at least not for Northeast Ohioans. The Cavaliers broke Cleveland's long-running, miserable championship drought (when the Warriors blew a 3-1 lead). The Tribe made a deep run through the playoffs and nearly won the World Series, before losing Game 7 to the Chicago Cubs. And Public Square, one of the hallmarks of downtown Cleveland, underwent a major renovation and came out more beautiful than ever.

To celebrate the re-opening of Public Square, the City of Cleveland released a YouTube video commemorating some of the great moments the area played host to in 2016. You can see that video at the bottom of this post.

The $50 million face lift converted Public Square from a bus terminal with monuments, to a genuine gathering place in the heart of Cleveland. It was completed prior to the Republican National Convention and played host to RNC attendees, protesters, and various events throughout that week.

During the holiday season, Winterfest returned to Public Square and featured an ice rink with some free skating dates. That rink will remain open through Feb. 28, though it now costs $10 per skater.

Events are continuing throughout 2017 at Public Square. On Jan. 29, there will be a free ice carving event from 2 to 6 p.m. The event will feature interactive ice creations, stunning ice displays, an ice throne (photo op!), ice games, a speed carving demonstration and an incredible, large-scale fire and ice tower.

Take a look at some of 2016's Public Square highlights below:

Photo from YouTube Screenshot