Festival of Ice to represent the world

Submitted photo
Pictured is an ice sculpture from last year’s Festival of Ice.

LEWISTOWN — Residents will have the opportunity to step into a world of holiday magic at the 27th Annual Festival of Ice, in downtown Lewistown next week on Dec. 5 and 6.

This year’s theme, “Christmas Around the World,” brings global holiday traditions to life with breathtaking ice sculptures, festive decorations and vibrant displays of traditional attire and national flags.

Hosted by the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, the festival kicks off the holiday season with the artistry, atmosphere and Christmas spirit that the community looks forward to each year.

“This year’s ice sculptures at the Festival of Ice are unlike anything we’ve ever showcased, with each stunning design representing a different country, from an elegant Eiffel Tower for France to a towering Viking, a Celtic Cross, Easter Island Moai heads, a pagoda, and even a majestic elephant for Africa,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau. “Celebrate the season with us as we bring the world’s holiday traditions to downtown Lewistown.”

New for 2024

· Holiday Word Scramble Scavenger Hunt: Explore downtown businesses to collect letters displayed in windows, unscramble them to reveal a holiday word, and submit your answer for a chance to win prizes. Entry forms are available on the Historic Courthouse porch. The contest runs Dec. 5-8, with completed forms due by 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9;

· Follow the Star: A World Nativities Exhibition: Discover Nativity scenes from around the globe, showcasing cultural artistry and spiritual heritage. Visit the exhibition at St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Main Street, from 5-9 p.m. both evenings of the festival;

· Royal Crazy Parade: Join the excitement at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, as the Crazy Parade gets a royal twist. Don your crowns, fancy hats, or fascinators and march from Lewistown Borough Hall. Leading the parade are Miss Central Pennsylvania Abby Traxler, Miss Greater Juniata Valley Finley Miller, Little Miss Reedsville Samara Kauffman, Mrs. Pennsylvania America Ashley Stremme, and Mifflin County High School Homecoming King Ben Snyder and Queen Amaris Fultz.

· International foods

At the Festival of Ice, guests can sample international foods that not only showcase diverse flavors but also share the stories and traditions of the countries and cultures they represent, offering a delicious way to connect with the world. Visitors can try traditional Ukranian Holubtsi at the Blue Juniata Foodways booth, Greek lamb gyros at Monument Square Finest Deli, Hawaiian snow puffies at The Nook, or traditional Italian favorites at the Downtown OIP & Grille.

Festival Highlights

· Shop at 50+ vendors across two holiday market locations;

· View 40 small ice sculptures and seven large sculptures;

· Enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities, pony rides, wagon rides, live Nativity, and performances from local musicians and dancers;

· Downtown businesses will be showcasing the fashion-forward Merry Mannequins dressed in garments inspired by faraway lands. Created by local designers and organizations, these 21 artistic displays add a festive, global flair to the event. Follow the Festival of Ice Facebook page for mannequin locations;

· View creative gingerbread houses at 8 E. Market St., Suite A (Square One Clubhouse), and vote for your favorite house during the festival or online through Faith’s House of Hope Facebook page. Proceeds benefit the Primary Health Network Dental Clinic in memory of Faith Bollinger. Winners will be announced on Facebook. The PHN Dental Van will also be on-site during the festival;

“We are so proud to be home to something that will bring together a whole world of holiday joy to Monument Square,” said Landis.

A map and a schedule of events will be announced soon on the Festival of Ice Facebook page and the JRVVB website at jrvvisitors.com/festival-of-ice. A special Festival of Ice insert will also appear in The Sentinel on Dec. 3.