Thing #42 I Like About Living Where I Do

This past Monday I started listing some of the things I like about living where I do (in Hanover Township, just outside of Hamilton, in Butler County, Ohio). Hamilton's IceFest is reason #42...and it starts today!

42. IceFest. The Hamilton-based organization, City of Sculpture, is making the most of the cold weather with the return of IceFest, which last happened in 2008 and was discontinued due to the poor economy. This two-day event (January 21 – 22, 2011) features awesome ice sculptures, ice carving competitions, hot chocolate and family activities.

The 2011 theme is “Great Books In Ice.” It will feature ice carvings of characters from such works as Gone with the Wind, Fahrenheit 451, The Wizard of Oz, and The Cat in the Hat. An estimated 200 blocks and 40 tons of ice will be used in the event, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors.

The event will kick off with its signature “Fire & Ice” gala, which will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, the host hotel of IceFest.

IceFest schedule is as follows:

Friday: 5:00 p.m. Technicolor Ice Walk begins (free event)
Fire and Ice Gala held at the Courtyard by Marriott

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. Professional Ice Carvers Competition begins (free event)
2:00 p.m. Competition ends
2:00 p.m. Speed Carving Competition (free event)
3:00 p.m. Human (dog) Sled Race (free event)
All Day BookFest at IceFest at Ryan's Tavern all day on the 2nd floor
All Day Arts and Craft Show at the Government Services Building