Plymouth pride is not only very real but has many different components – from the small-town feel to the welcoming and friendly people to the top-ranked schools to the small businesses with big reputations to the amazing community events, there is a village full of reasons for Plymouth pride.

Near the top of the list is the annual Plymouth Ice Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the country and even Canada. The 2024 event, which is celebrating its 42nd year, will be held February 2-4 in downtown Plymouth. It’s also the oldest and largest ice-carving event in North America.

The free and family-friendly winter ice festival has averaged 500,000 visitors a year during the four decades and is estimated to bring more than $1 million into the community each year. The centerpiece of the event is Kellogg Park in the center of town, where some of the best ice sculpture artists in the world not only show off their works but also demonstrate how they create them. The ice artists also answer questions and interact with the crowd while ice carving and display their techniques and tricks.

The 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, offers a breathtaking winter wonderland, celebrating the artistry and beauty of ice sculptures.

Parking is free during the festival on all public streets and lots.

Here are some of the highlights visitors can look forward to during the 2024 event:

• Spectacular Ice Sculptures: Marvel at the skill and creativity of talented ice sculptors as they transform blocks of ice into intricate works of art. The festival will feature a wide array of sculptures, ranging from small ice carvings in front of store fronts to large displays in Kellogg Park.

• Ice Throne: For years, this unique ice carving is the perfect setting for pictures with the family. Festival guests will feel like “Ice Festival Royalty” as they take a seat atop the Ice Throne. This activity has been a tradition for many families, as they return for that picture every year.

• Hot Spot: Warm up in style at the Hot Spot, heated by Ehlers Heating and cooling. Located under The Gathering directly across from Kellogg Park. The Hot Spot features local vendors, businesses, product demonstrations, a sitting area to take a load off your feet and (most importantly) lots of heat! The Hot Spot is available during the official open hours of the festival.

• Petting Farm (presented by Michigan First Credit Union): Carousel Acres will be offering hands-on experiences with horses, donkeys, goats. sheep, alpaca and even a baby calf. This activity is great for kids or those who are young at heart. This year’s petting farm will also feature pony rides! Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Tubing Run: Back by popular demand! The Plymouth Ice Festival tubing run features over 100 feet of tubing excitement and fun for the whole family. Tubing Run Hours of operation: February 2: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. February 3: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. February 4: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Party Lot and Ice Bar (located at EG Nicks – featuring nightly entertainment): The Ice Bar is open all three days of the festival. Party Lot Hours: February 3, featuring music and dancing from Ava James and The Rumors; February 4, featuring music and dancing from Power Play Detroit.

• Festival Food: The Plymouth Ice Festival features fun festival foods, like fresh roasted almonds, elephant ears and mini donuts. The event also features a Polish food booth inside the Hot Spot warming station. Looking to sit down? Stop into any of the restaurants throughout the festival area and enjoy culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. Oh, and did we mention there is plenty of hot chocolate to go around?

• DDA Bingo: Stop into participating businesses and collect enough stickers to get a bingo! Enter to win a prize from the Plymouth DDA.

For more information, visit www. plymouthicefest.com or follow us on social media @PlymouthIceFestival.

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