Join us at the Alpena Ice Festival on Saturday, February 12, 2022!  With the leadership of Thunder Bay Arts, the Comstock Fund of First Congregational UCC, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, SOME-CPA, Shaun Michael Osborne, City of Alpena DDA and Alpena Fire Department, an Alpena Ice Fest will hearken back to years past. 

It promises to be a great family fun day with ice and sculptures, fire and a variety of activities for kids, adults and the family.  The event begins at Mich-e-ke-wis Park with ice sculptures on display by Ice Creations of Napoleon, Ohio, a huge bonfire by Alpena Fire Department, demonstrations, food and fun, ice and snow related activities.

In conjunction, the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is hosting FIRE & ICE Downtown activities, including a “A Preview of Restaurant Week”. Ice sculptures throughout downtown, fire bowls, music, expanded hours and specialty drinks and food will be available at participating restaurants throughout the day and into the evening.

schedule of events

All events are free & open to the public. Join us for a day of winter fun at Mich-e-kewis Park (9 am- 3 pm) & in Downtown Alpena (5 pm- 9pm).
 
9:00 am-3:00 pm Mich-e-ke-wis Park (Alpena Ice Fest – Family Fun Day)
 
9:00 am-3:00 pm: Farmers Market (expanded hours and additional vendors), with music from Thunder Bay Folk Society
9:00 am-12:00 pm:  Amateur Snowman Building Contest (for kids, families, friends). Awards for largest, most creative, most spirited.
10:00-11:00 am: Dueling ice sculptors – Ice Creations of Napoleon, Ohio
Several other sculptures will be on display throughout the day, including a featured sculpture by local sculptor Autumn Bildson and local restaurateur, Jimmy Chen.
11:00 am-3:00 pm: Amateur snowshoe and cross-country ski races (grab your shoes or skis and make a run for it!) Contests organized on the half hour. Thunder Bay Trails Association will have skis and boots available.
12:00-3:00 pm: Huge bonfire – huddle around the fire courtesy of our very own City of Alpena Fire Department!
1,000 free Smores (prepackage and ready to eat), courtesy of Thunder Bay Arts 50th
12:00-2:00 pm: Horse and wagon rides courtesy of Dan Kirchner
1:00-2:00 pm: Amateur fat tire bike races – BYOB and show us how it’s done!
1:00-2:00 pm: Siberian Husky sled dogs – “Gone to the Snow Dogs” courtesy of Jessica Hatch
 
Plus…all day long from 9:00 am-3:00 pm:

• Fat Freddies Food Truck—featuring TONY BURGERS and much more
• Snow sledding – bring your sled and go for it! 
• Ice Bowling – Knock ‘em down
• Ice Frame for Selfies @ the ALPENA Letters Sculpture—courtesy of the Alpena Convention & Visitors Bureau
• 4-H activity, outdoor children’s crafts at various intervals throughout the day and more…

 
5:00 – 9:00 pm- Fire & Ice Downtown Alpena

• Fire Bowl and Ice Throne at Culligan Plaza—courtesy of the Alpena Convention & Visitors Bureau and Alpena Downtown Development Authority
• Ice Sculptures throughout downtown sponsored by local businesses 
• Expanded store hours (until 7:00 PM) with specials
• Music and themed Fire & Ice cocktails throughout
• A winter prelude to Restaurant Week 

thank you to our sponsors and partners!