CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Note: The video is from January 2023.
Chambersburg's 21st annual IceFest, touted as "Pennsylvania's largest ice festival," will kick off Thursday in the Franklin County borough.
Originally launched in 2002 to help the community shake the mid-winter blues, IceFest has grown into one of the county's most popular winter events.
"A huge variety of events and activities are scheduled throughout the four-day festival giving you a chance to explore the best of Chambersburg and experience our vibrant Downtown culture for yourself," IceFest organizers said on the event's website. "Be sure to visit your favorite art galleries, restaurants and boutique stores while enjoying all that IceFest has to offer.
"You can also catch a glimpse of the carvers from DiMartino Ice sculpting right in front of your eyes. Skilled in their art form, these carvers have trained for many years and can turn a plain block of ice into just about anything. It’s amazing to watch."
Thursday's schedule of events:
1-8 p.m.
- Climate-Controlled Steampunk Train Escape Room trailer from BrainDrain Escape LLC
- This family-friendly escape room can hold up to six players at a time. You will be immersed in a 1920s-themed steam engine train with only one hour to solve all of the puzzles and clues to get out!!
- Located in the parking lot next to Avocado Cafe, 33 N. Main St. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.
1-9 p.m.
- "Home is Where the Art Is" display at The Foundry Art Market, 100 S. Main St. Local art and fine crafts will be on display.
4-8 p.m.
- Set painting with Chambersburg Community Theatre at Council for the Arts
- Help create the set for the upcoming "No Strings Attached" performance at 103 N. Main St.
5-5:30 p.m.
- Ribbon cutting to officially kick off IceFest 2024 on the Courthouse Plaza on the square. Free cupcakes while supplies last.
5-7:30 p.m.
- "Penn's Woods Printmakers: All Media Show," 11/30 Visitors' Center, on the square, near Central Presbyterian Church
- Also on display: Chambersburg Quilt Guild's 2024 Raffle Quilt and Artwork by CAMS South 8th grade art club
5-8 p.m.
- Live giant sculpture carving throughout downtown
- Free Double-Wide Ice Slide
- Located in the parking lot near 133 S. Main St. (sponsored by the Borough of Chambersburg Recreation Department)
- Kevin Beecher Glass will be set up in the parking lot next to Avocado Cafe (33 N. Main St.) doing demos, and you can purchase limited edition numbered IceFest Glass Icicles for only $10.
- Youth Art Reception at Council for the Arts, 103 N. Main St.
- Festival food vendors on the square and in the parking lot on N. Main St.
5-9 p.m.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides with Benchfield Farms (sponsored by Cara Sheaffer Group with Remax 1st Advantage).
- Starts at the Coyle Free Library. Tickets can be booked online.
For more information about IceFest, including a full schedule of events, parking options, an event map and more, go here.