Ice Festival kicks off in Lewisburg with ice sculpture, carving

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 2—LEWISBURG — The 2024 Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival kicked off on Friday in downtown Lewisburg.

The three-day event is organized by the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and features at least 30 ice sculptures along Market Street and live ice carving throughout Market Street. The live carving started with a throne and wishing well at Hufnagle Park on Friday and will continue today with Olaf from Disney's "Frozen," a bison and a strongman.

"We have five large sculptures this year, which is more than we typically have," said Mayor Kendy Alvarez as she walked through Market Street on Friday afternoon. "We're expecting 10,000 people this weekend, probably more since it's warmer."

The smaller sculptures includes animals, Snoopy, flowers, mythical beast, birds, Aladdin, the shape of Italy, a wine glass, a paintbrush, a skier and a burger complete with real ketchup and mustard on the side.

Alvarez said the Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival is important because it's the first big social event of the year and it coincides with February being American Heart Month. Evangelical Community Hospital is the premiere sponsor.

"It ties businesses and the community together in a real, impactful way," she said.

Sculptor Robert Higareda, from DiMartino Ice Company, said Friday afternoon was perfect conditions for carving.

"It's cold enough overnight to drop temperatures down to freezing, and it will lock up for us," said Higareda.

Once the walls are constructed, a stencil is placed on the outside. The crew cuts out the outline with a chainsaw and grinders, he said.

"It's really nice to see kids look at it and smile and know what it is," said Higareda.

In addition to ice carving, Friday featured Chocolate Flights to benefit the Donald Heiter Community Center and the second annual Sip and Stroll.

The festival continues today with the Frosty 5K, more ice carving, children's activities at the Greenspace Center, a free screening of "Frozen," a Chocolate Stroll, the Polar Bear Plunge and related activities, the Chili Cook Off and the Chocolate Gala.

It ends on Sunday with a cycling Slow Roll, brunch in downtown Lewisburg and a showing of "Wonka."