Belfast Ice Festival returns Feb. 23-25

BELFAST, Maine (WABI) - Final preparations are being made for the 4th annual Belfast Ice Festival, which returns to downtown Belfast on Friday.

2,000 people are expected to attend.

That is a big jump in attendance than when it first began during the pandemic.

“In 2022 the event exploded. People were ready to be out,” said Amanda Cunningham, executive director of Our Town Belfast. “We had, I think, 14 sculptures that year, which is the same amount we have this year.”

“It’s amazing to be a part of it because then you get to be a part of the community and you get to see all these smiles,” explained local business owner and volunteer for Our Town Belfast, Tina DelSanto. “It’s great, especially in the middle of winter.”

This year’s event is presented by the Belfast Restaurant Group.

Several downtown restaurants will be offering food and drink specials.

Events like this give businesses a boost during the shoulder season.

“It is particularly important to our restaurants,” said Cunningham. “People want to get out of the cold so you’re going to be waiting awhile to get some food but that’s okay. While you’re waiting you can go and check out some of our retail shops that really enjoy the exposure that they get during this event.”

“It’s the middle of February. We’re usually slow and then suddenly, bam! We have a crazy weekend that we’re actually not prepared for. This year, I think everyone is prepared. It’s well worth the effort to put on this awesome event,” said Delsanto.

On Friday you can find ice sculptures and ice bars popping up around town, and on Saturday, there will be live carving demonstrations.

Eight teams will be competing in the 3rd Annual State of Maine Carving Competition. That event will take place on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Main and Cross Street.

Events continue through Sunday.

“It’s all ages, all genres. There is something for everybody,” DelSanto said.

“The Ice Festival is just another event that Our Town Belfast does that makes downtown an inviting, welcoming place to be and we really enjoy it when people come and see that,” explained Cunningham.

To find a full schedule of weekend activities, you can go to OurTownBelfast.org.