Chambersburg:
Experience thrills amidst winter chills! IceFest 2010, the eighth annual event, runs from 5pm on Thursday, January 28 and continues through Sunday, January 31 in Historic Downtown Chambersburg. A dazzling array of ice sculptures are the backdrop for four days of events during the region’s biggest winter festival. Presented by M&T Bank, the “Summer on Ice” theme promises sparkling icy magic and family-friendly fun for everyone.

Live sculpture carving, a favorite viewing attraction, showcases DiMartino Ice carvers. Using chain saws, propane torches and hand tools, carving masters transform massive blocks of ice into an array of giant masterpieces. The action kicks-off with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, January 28 at 5pm. Live sculpture carving takes place that night from 5 to 8pm and continues Friday, January 29, also from 5 to 8pm. The result? Mega-scale ice sculptures and numerous smaller, “Summer on Ice” themed sculptures displayed throughout the downtown area.

Activities for all age interests are ongoing from Thursday at 5, through Sunday, January 31st. Highlights include the sixth annual chili cook-off, hot pepper eating contest, fireworks, photo ops on the giant Royal Throne, ballroom dancing, art and photo exhibits, festival food vendors, pancake breakfast and home-style lunch, raffles, and free Surfs Up movie showings at the Capitol Theatre.

Many events are free; some charge a modest fee. Local businesses sponsor giveaways too: popcorn, hot chocolate, photo souvenirs, glow-sticks and more (see attached schedule for location and times.) Area shops offer in-store specials and extended shopping hours.

For more information, including the most current schedule and location map, visit www.IceFestPA.com, or call 717-264-6883. For the most current schedule, and location map, visit www.IceFestPA.com. IceFest 2010 is presented by M&T Bank with sponsorship from Franklin County Visitors Bureau, Southgate Shopping Center, Borough of Chambersburg, American Federal Credit Union, and downtown Chambersburg businesses; event coordination by Downtown Chambersburg, Inc., Council for the Arts, Downtown Business Council and IceFest committee members.

History:
From IceFest’s first twenty sculptures in 2003, to the sixty plus sculptures planned for 2010, IceFest is a rapidly growing community event that draws thousands across the Mid-Atlantic region to Chambersburg. IceFest originated with Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. and Council for the Arts to provide downtown winter events and arts programming for the community to benefit Historic Downtown Chambersburg revitalization and the greater region. Thanks to M&T Bank’s sponsorship (their fourth consecutive year!), local business, community support and cordination by Downtown Chambersburg, Inc., Council for the Arts, Downtown Business Council and IceFest Committee members, IceFest has evolved to become a major regional event.