Ice Fest is Almost Here
With Saturday’s high temperature predicted to be forty one degrees, many are wondering what’s in store for ice fest this year. The answer: still a lot of fun! Members of The Thunder Bay Arts Council are already popping popcorn, preparing smores, and getting ready for this year’s celebration.
While many festivities will be happening At Mich–E–Ke–Wis, all of downtown Alpena will also be included on the fun. Arturo Mendez, owner of Mangos Tequila Bar, is excited to get more people exploring Alpena during the colder months. “So what we try to do,” said Mendez, “and I think is everyone’s business downtown, our goal is to push not just downtown, but Alpena, and invite more people to come during the winter. I think that the downtown is doing really good with all the businesses together trying to push it.”
Ice sculptures will be available for viewing all over downtown and at Mich–E–Ke–Wis, and Saturday is set to be an exciting day with horse drawn wagon rides, food, and the police vs. Fire broomball game. Ice sculptures will be put out early Saturday morning to make sure they’re fresh, unlike in past years, where they were out the night before.
Many downtown businesses and the pocket park will also have special drinks and food items available. “We’re going to be giving away free chili, hot cocoa, and coffee,” said Mendez, “Cocoa is my mom’s love recipe; hopefully it turns out as good as hers, so that’s kind of what we’re doing.” Be sure to join in on the fun with festivities starting at 11 am on Saturday
