In 2016, the City hosted its first Ice Festival in December with great success! Visitors came from all around during the weekend to view the spectacular works of art. What developed was our annual Ice Festival, a family-friendly event for all ages. This year, the City is delighted to host the Wisconsin State Ice Carving Championship as part of the 2022 Ice Festival on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11! (See below for a list of activities on both days)
Over a dozen ice blocks will be placed throughout Wehmhoff Square Park. Each sculpture will be carved from a 300-pound block of ice that has been frozen in a special process to ensure that the blocks are crystal clear. The blocks are ten inches thick, twenty inches wide and stand forty inches tall on a wooden stand. The live sculpture carving, a favorite viewing attraction, showcases ice carvers using hand tools as they transform the massive blocks of ice into an array of giant masterpieces. When the competition is concluded, the sculptures are illuminated from underneath, which is a spectacular sight to see for days!
This event is free to the public and it is only made possible with the support of our community sponsors. Please take time to visit our sponsors here! The carvings will be completed by 3:00 pm on December 10. Come see them at your convenience !
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday December 11 , 2022
Wehmhoff Square Park
Saturday Activities - December 10
Ice carving competition - Wehmhoff Square Park - 10 am to 3 pm
Kris Kringle Market in the Loop (E. Chestnut Street) – 10 am to 4 pm
Bonfire and s'mores in the Loop - 12 pm to 2 pm
BHS Choir in the Loop - Time TBD
Midwest Dancers in the Loop - 11 am
Santa in the Chalet - Wehmhoff Square Park – 2 pm to 4 pm
Carving will finish at 3 pm
Awards ceremony at 4 pm at the Bubba's Brickyard- 217 N. Pine St
View the sculptures lit up! – After dark
Carriage rides and reindeer will be available on Sunday only
Sunday Activities - December 12
Horse wagon rides - Wehmhoff Square Park – 12 pm to 3 pm
Reindeer - Wehmhoff Square Park – 12 pm to 3 pm
Santa in the Chalet Wehmhoff Square Park – 2 pm to 4 pm
View the sculptures lit up! – After dark