Jan 19, 2007 2 min read

LIGONIER – Chairman Cindy Purnell announced the 16th annual Ligonier Ice Fest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28. This year’s Ice Fest will feature some 40 or more ice sculptures carved by DiMartino Ice Co. in Jeannette. The nationally recognized ice artist, Ernie DiMartino and his assistants will be busy Saturday and Sunday creating art from 300-pound blocks of ice. The sculptures, which are sponsored by businesses and organizations, will be set up around the Diamond and throughout the town.

This is a wonderful way to broaden and deepen the public’s appreciation of the visual and performing arts through a quality event, which offers the community an alternative to the winter doldrums. The Ligonier Ice Fest is held regardless of weather conditions. The illuminated ice sculptures may be viewed 24 hours.

Adding to the Ligonier Ice Fest festivities will be buggy rides around the Diamond, a “Big Band” concert by Graham Grubb Orchestra, underwritten by Commercial Bank & Trust of PA, in the Ligonier Town Hall auditorium at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.

Also Saturday the Ligonier Volunteer Hose Co. No. 1 will hold a spaghetti dinner in the Community Room of the Town Hall from 11:30 a.m. to sell out. A children’s story hour and simple craft for ages 10 and under held on Saturday will be lead by children’s librarian Linda Norris at the Ligonier Valley Library at 2 p.m.

The Popcorn Man will be here producing delightfully different popcorn served fresh, sweet and warm from a copper kettle on the Diamond Saturday and Sunday. The Heritage United Methodist Church on the Diamond will serve a luncheon of sandwiches, homemade chicken soup and homemade desserts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Area merchants will be holding “indoor sidewalk sales” timed for the two-day Ice Fest. Many coffeehouses and restaurants will offer lunch specials and drinks.

For more information call the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce at 724-238-4200 or log onto the Web site at www.ligonier.com.