Ligonier Ice Fest delights with intricate sculptures

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Ligonier Ice Fest delights with intricate sculptures

The 34th annual Ligonier Ice Fest drew crowds over the weekend, despite the chilly temperatures. The event featured over 50 intricate ice sculptures lining the borough’s diamond and streets, creating a winter wonderland for visitors to enjoy. Live carving demonstrations on Saturday gave attendees a chance to witness the talented artists in action.

Jamie Price, a visitor, expressed her admiration for the carvings, saying, “It’s amazing what these men can do with the talent that they have. It’s just awesome.”

In addition to the ice sculptures, the festival offered horse-drawn carriage rides, various vendors, and family-friendly activities. The Ice Fest aimed to benefit local businesses and the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce.

John Goodish, owner of Tubmill Creek Provisions restaurant, noted the event’s positive impact on the town, stating, “It draws people into town. It’s an activity that is good for the town and brings people in. It’s good for all the store owners.”

Pamela Belczyk, a dealer with On The Diamond Antiques, agreed, saying, “I think business is definitely improved with having events like this.”

Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations for the GO Laurel Highlands tourism promotion agency, emphasized the significance of the Ice Fest for the community.

He said, “Ligonier is one of the areas of the Laurel Highlands that tourists love to come to. It’s such a quaint little town. It has all of the boutique shops and the locally owned restaurants and the walkable streets.

Ligonier’s ice sculptures delight visitors

Ice Fest is a great chance for out-of-towners to come in and see what Ligonier is all about.”

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Ernie Alwine, owner of Misty Haven Carriage, provided horse-drawn carriage rides, adding to the festive atmosphere. “At the ice festival, you get to meet a lot of people.

Everybody is happy to be out and around, especially in nice weather like we’ve been having here this weekend,” Alwine said. Visitors like Bill Smith from Colver attended the event with his wife Doris and their dogs Tucker and Quincy. “It’s just getting out in the middle of winter, something to do,” Smith said.

“We were at Somerset for the Fire & Ice Festival also. We’ve brought the dogs every year now. They’ll be 5 years old.

They like it, walking around. … It’s good to get out. Ligonier’s a nice town.”

The Ligonier Ice Fest continues to be a cherished tradition for both the local community and visitors, providing entertainment and much-needed economic support during the winter season.

The ice sculptures will remain on display throughout the weekend, allowing more people to experience the magic of this annual event.

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