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Carmel’s Festival of Ice continues Sunday after warm, rainy break

Carmel’s Festival of Ice continues Sunday after warm, rainy break

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – The third annual Festival of Ice in Carmel is back on schedule for Sunday after Saturday’s warm rain forced officials to postpone events.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad it’s cold today,” said Dan McFeely with the city of Carmel.

The festival didn’t cancel Saturday’s events, but instead moved them all to Sunday.

“Friday night the sculptures started to drip. And by Saturday morning the ice had just melted. Today our expert carvers are here to carve their giant sculptures. And we’re thrilled,” said McFeely.

In addition to the ice sculptures, guests can witness professional carvers go head-to-head in a 10-minute battle of the ice competition. The winner is chosen by the audience.

“We have seven ice carvers that we like to think are the best in the Midwest,” added McFeely.

Carmel’s Festival of Ice continues Sunday after warm, rainy break

Out of those seven, two are female.

“It took me forever to figure out how to move a block of ice being how small I was. To lift them up and move them around and to actually ice sculpt in a male-dominated field,” said ice carver Lauren Klapec.

A native of Michigan, this is Klapec’s first year at the Festival of Ice in Carmel where she is sculpting two salmon coming out of the water.

The festival will have plenty of attractions including a chili cook-off thanks to the Carmel Fire Department, an ice bar with luging, ice skating and more winter fun.

Festivities kick off Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Ice at Center Green. Admission is free.