With chainsaws roaring, Meltdown Winter Ice Festival begins
RICHMOND, Ind. — Ice blocks stood ready Monday at Elstro Plaza.
Some of the world's best ice carvers will turn those blocks into sensational creations during this week's ninth annual Meltdown Winter Ice Festival. Those carvers began working their magic here in 2014, and their creations will again be visible in Elstro, along Main Street and in the Depot District.
It all leads up to Saturday night's Meltdown Throwdown competition.
Business: Warm Glow Candle Company, Birthday Chocolates compete in Coolest Thing Made in Indiana
Art: With Reid support, Richmond Art Museum exhibit addresses mental, emotional health
Nonprofits: Rachel Winters becomes Boys & Girls Clubs' chief operating officer
This year's event even has a mascot, Melty the Moose.
The carvers will work 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Tuesday through Thursday in Elstro, 47 N. Sixth St., so anyone can stop by and watch the ice chips fly as masterpieces are created.
Meltdown offers a variety of other activities, as well. Some require braving the icy conditions, but others will keep you toasty warm.
STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page.
They are:
Magical Snowflakes on Main, Jan. 27-29 along Main Street. Large snowflakes with uplifting quotes will be placed along Main Street. Participants collect letters from each snowflake to create a secret message. Turn in passports with the message at the Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E., to receive a prize and be entered into grand prize drawings.
Cookies and Cocoa and Stephanie Harrison Art Show, 5-6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Grand Hall of the Depot Building, 900 N. E St. Visit for tasty treats from local bakeries and hot cocoa, plus Harrison will display some of her best photos from previous Meltdowns. Mounted images for sale will benefit future Meltdowns.
Movie Snack Handout, 4-6 p.m. at Your Real Estate Team, 729 E. Main St. Walk in or drive up in the alley off South Eighth Street to receive individually wrapped snacks, including popcorn and candy.
Outdoor Movie at the Meltdown, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28 at Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St. Park for a free drive-in screening of "Balto," which tells the story of a heroic dog that brings life-saving medicine to remote Nome, Alaska. The parking lot opens at 5:30 p.m. and is first-come, first-served. Audio will be played on a special radio channel.
Friday Open Carving, 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at Elstro Plaza. Watch the ice carvers create their carvings. Treats will be available from local food trucks.
Hayes Hikes and Hot Chocolate, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 29 at Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road. Explore nature by hiking the arboretum's trails, taking the driving tour and/or visiting the nature center, where you can warm up with free hot chocolate.
Musical Performances at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3-6:45 p.m. Jan. 29 at the church, 800 N. A St. Scheduled are Achilles Tenderloin at 3 p.m., Tyler Michael Walton and The Mayflower Satchel at 3:45 p.m., Mononymous Rae at 4:30 p.m., Charles Ramsey at 5:15 p.m. and Austin's Haus of Magic at 6 p.m.
Hot Cocoa and Face Painting, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Your Real Estate Team, 729 E. Main St. Bring the children to have their faces painted and enjoy some hot cocoa.
Meltdown Throwdown, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Elstro Plaza. The Meltdown comes to a heated conclusion as Team Fire and Team Ice fire up their chainsaws during the timed competition. The audience decides which team's sculpture wins.
See complete information about the Meltdown online at richmondmeltdown.com or on Facebook at Richmond Meltdown.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Meltdown Winter Ice Festival begins with chainsaws roaring
