Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Harrisburg residents, visitors can chill out at “Ice in the Burg” festival

Sculpture from a past Ice and Fire Festival

COVID can’t melt this Harrisburg favorite tradition. The city is giving the community a new way to enjoy the coolest festival around.

“Ice in the Burg” will replace the city’s “Ice and Fire Festival,” still incorporating ice sculptures, but forgoing the traditional entertainment and vendors.

“It’s different this year, but it’s a safe alternative,” Megan Roby, the city’s director of special events, said. “People can still come and enjoy the city.”

To kick off the weekend, on March 5, people can drive-through an illuminated ice sculpture display on City Island. There will also be a live ice sculpture carving and costumed characters.

On March 6 and 7, over 40 small and large sculptures will be found throughout Harrisburg in locations such as City Island, downtown, Midtown, Italian Lake and Reservoir Park.

According to Roby, extending the event over three days will help spread out foot traffic and allow for better social distancing.

In years past, the festival included a skating rink, ice slide, fire dancers, performance groups, food trucks and other vendors.

This year, Roby said they will be focusing on COVID-safe events. That includes an outdoor dining experience on Saturday. In partnership with the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, a portion of 2nd Street will be blocked, starting at 10 a.m. for al fresco dining from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The annual “Cocktail Crawl” will still take place with local restaurants creating ice-themed drink specials.

“We want to offer our support to local restaurants,” Roby said.

Additionally, there may be an ice sculpture scavenger hunt with prizes and ice-themed grab and go activities for kids, Roby said.

The event is sponsored by M&T Bank, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, CapitalBlue, UPMC Pinnacle, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Harrisburg University, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District and Park Harrisburg.

Park Harrisburg is offering a discounted $10 daily rate on Saturday and Sunday at the Market Square Garage. Get four hours of free downtown street parking using the code LUVHBG on the Parkmobile app. Free parking is available Saturday and Sunday on City Island.

Ice in the Burg follows suit in a line of Harrisburg parades and festivals that were changed due to the pandemic. Most recently, the Holiday Parade was turned into a drive-through event and the New Year’s Eve celebration was held completely online.

For more information, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/ice/. A map and restaurant guide will be available in mid-February.

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