Harrisburg held a press conference on Thursday in the MLK City Government Center.
This weekend, Harrisburg is set to get a lot cooler.
At a press conference on Thursday, the city announced details for the Ice & Fire Festival, which will bring ice sculptures and entertainment to the city.
“This is our fifth annual edition of this beloved winter festival,” said city Business Administrator Dan Hartman. “So get your mittens and scarves and prepare for a great time.”
On Saturday, March 5, Front Street will transform into a winter festival with food trucks and entertainment. Over 50 ice sculptures also will be spread around the city at locations in downtown, Midtown, Reservoir Park, Italian Lake, Shipoke and on City Island.
The festival will take place on Front Street, from Walnut to State streets, and include activities like an ice slide, fire pits with free s’mores kits, fire dancers and performances by local school and community groups. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 8 p.m.
That portion of Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, to midnight on March 5.
Community members can view ice sculptures around the city from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will be illuminated at 7 p.m. Sculptures will include a polar bear, throne, ballet dancer, carousel horse, peace sign and beer mug, among other shapes.
When visiting the ice sculptures, people can participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win gift cards from Harrisburg businesses. Each sculpture will have a QR code and participants must scan at least 10 different sculptures to enter the drawing.
“We love having this event,” said Nora Habig, regional president for M&T Bank, the main sponsor of the festival. “It brings everybody out during a time of year when it’s sometimes hard to find something to do outside.”
Additionally, local businesses will offer special fire and ice-themed cocktails and coffee drink specials.
At the festival, Harrisburg’s Urban Churn will host a “Frozen Inferno Challenge,” where participants will attempt to eat spicy ice cream to win a prize.
Organizations around the city, will offer children’s activities and crafts, as well.
Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on Saturday in the downtown area and free all day on Sunday. Get four hours of free downtown street parking using the code LUVHBG on the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 daily rate is available at the Market Square Garage courtesy of Park Harrisburg on March 5. Parking on City Island is free. Check the city’s website for parking options in other areas of the city.
For a full schedule and map of the Ice & Fire Festival, visit their website.
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