LITITZ, Pa. — The cold winter weather could not be coming at a more perfect time for the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival.
The annual event kicked off on Friday and runs through February 25. Organizers and ice sculptures say the event will draw more than 40,000 people over the next 10 days and are excited for the cooler weather that is setting up for the perfect opening weekend.
"We’re lucking out with the weather this weekend. We’re super excited," said Emily Allen, executive director for Venture Lititz, the sponsoring organization for the annual event. "We’re hearing there might be some snow this evening which will look beautiful with the ice and hopefully keep it around even longer."
The main attraction is- of course- the beautiful ice sculptures that line Lititz's main street, Lititz Springs Park and are scattered across the community.
"They make art out of just a square block, it starts as nothing and it turns into something with character, movement, feeling and richness, it’s just, something to see," said Allen.
It's an event that aims to bring the community out and together during a time that is typically quiet.
"It brings people out on a time where everyone is usually staying home because it’s so cold but this gets everyone outside, gets them hyped up, gets them excited and it gets everyone seeing each other," said Allen.
The festival will have a chili cookoff, a winter fun-derland, fire shows and the Maker's Market. From all the great food, activities, events and much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
"Whatever makes your heart happy, we probably have something to make you smile while you’re here for the next few days to enjoy Lititz at its finest," said Allen.
It’s an annual community event that brings impactful support to local businesses.
"One of the reasons it started was to draw more people into Lititz and the quiet times of the year and it’s become one of the busiest weekends that you can come to Lititz because there’s just so much to do," said Allen.
It is ultimately showcasing everything that makes Lititz special.
"It really is an amazing experience and it brings so many people into our small town," said Allen. "Getting to stand back and watch people love Lititz as much as I do, it just makes my heart happy."
More information on the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival can be found on their website.