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Game On! IceFest Returns To Hamilton With Game Night Theme

Courtesy of City of Sculpture
IceFest 2019 is expected to be one of the biggest events yet. (Photo from 2017.)

From board to video, games of all sorts will be transformed into icy works of art in Hamilton this weekend. IceFest 2019 returns for two days centered on a game night theme.

Event Chairman Jacob Stone expects the subject should appeal to all ages.

"You've got the things that resonate with me, like video games and video game characters like Mario, but you also have traditional board games, like family game night. Then you have sports in addition to that," he says.

More than 25 tons of ice will be transformed into sculptures by artists using tools including chainsaws. Some 50-plus sculptures will be on view around downtown Hamilton.

This is the city's 11th IceFest and Stone says it's the largest one yet.

"All of the sculptures are based off of sponsorship from the community," he says. "We've been fortunate to grow the base of people engaged with the event."

Credit Courtesy of City of Sculpture
IceFest, shown here in 2017, includes carving competitions pitting some of the best carvers against one another.

IceFest begins Friday with a live carving demonstration that includes using fire. The weekend includescarving competitions, activities for children, food and crafts vendors, and a speed-carving event.

IceFest is free. Hours are Friday, Jan. 18, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.