Every year, the community of Lewistown plunges into the annual Lewistown Festival of Ice with polar spirit.  Townsfolk and local businesses get into the festivities by hosting “ice parties” and sponsoring sculptures all their own while activities abound.  Meanwhile, amazing ice sculptures – the stars of the show – line sidewalks, camp in plazas, and decorate parks. Artfully designed and skillfully crafted, these dazzling beauties truly take a life of their own. The jollity is palpable and it is clear why.  Festival of Ice is genuine fun.

Festival of Ice is also loaded with fun things to do, not least of which being the amazing ice sculptures.  Through the festival visitors can watch each sculpture come to life as expert craftsmen and volunteers chisel, saw, and torch giant slabs of ice to create true ice masterpieces  In addition to the aforementioned art, there are also carriage rides, a wreath parade, and a cookie walk.  There are great activities for kids too, including pony rides, cookie decorating and advent calendar making. Stores host live mannequins and  even a Santa’s Workshop!Great food vendors serve traditional fare, including hot-mulled cider.  Don’t miss the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, a Festival of Ice tradition.

Whether it is outside bands, coral concerts in the theaters, or choirs singing through the streets, music plays all through the day and into the icy evening.  Local mascots and caricatures comb the streets, and the sculptures dutifully line along downtown streets and coves.  The sun quickly sets and the weather turns even colder, but Festival of Ice keeps pace with the cheerful crowds.  Just as Festival of Ice washes Lewistown in a warm cheery glow, so does it warm the hearts of all the visitors too.

Admission is free and parking is limited.

Photo Courtesy of lowhorizon