Burlington

Ice Festival is this weekend

Neil Vogt, of Pewaukee, carefully crafts a portion of his second place and People’s Choice winning “The ol’ Lumber Wagon” sculpture in 2018 at the Burlington Ice Festival and State Ice Carving Competition. The event returns to Wehmhoff Square in downtown Burlington with carving scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

State ice carving competition highlights events

Sparkling ice sculptures will take center stage in downtown Burlington this weekend as the city hosts its annual Ice Festival.

The event will again serve as the Wisconsin State Ice Carving Championships with competitors from different parts of the state participating.

More than a dozen 300-pound blocks of ice will be set up on pedestals in Wehmhoff Square Saturday for the carving portion of the competition, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The live sculpture carving, a favorite viewing attraction, showcases ice carvers using hand tools as they transform the massive blocks of ice into an array of sparkling masterpieces. When the competition is concluded, the sculptures are illuminated from underneath, which makes for spectacular viewing day or night, according to city officials

This event is free to the public and is made possible by the support of community sponsors.

While the ice carving is the main attraction, there are several other activities planned for Saturday and Sunday. All the events will take place in downtown Burlington.

Here’s a look at the schedule of events:

 

Saturday, Dec. 11

  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Ice carving competition at Wehmhoff Square
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Kris Kringle Market
  • 10 a.m. to noon – Performances by the Burlington High School A Cappella Choir
  • 12 to 2 p.m. – Bonfire and s’mores
  • 2 to 4 p.m. Santa in the Chalet for visits with children
  • 4 p.m. – Ice carving awards ceremony at Runaway Micropub and Nanobrewery, 109 E. Chestnut St.

 

Sunday, Dec. 12

  • 12 to 3 p.m. – Horse wagon rides
  • 12 to 3 p.m. – Live reindeer on display
  • 12 to 2 p.m. – Bonfire and s’mores
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kris Kringle Market
  • 2 to 4 p.m. –Santa in the Chalet at Wehmhoff Square

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