The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a unique chance to chill out at the start of the Hunter Ice Festival.

On Friday, Jan. 17, the chamber will host its first annual Ice Ball black tie optional event in conjunction with the popular winter festival.

It will be from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Bell Building, 305 Sycamore St., in Niles.

“We are looking for a way to add something new and unique to the (Hunter Ice Festival) — something that hasn’t been done before,” said Tyanna Weller, chamber president. “For events like (the Hunter Ice Festival) it is good to have a variety of activities to attract more visitors.”

Tickets are available for purchase on the chamber’s website, nilesmi.com, and are $40 each or $70 for a couple. The event is open to the public.

Weller said proceeds would go toward providing funding for a new craft brew festival, which will be held at Riverfront Park on May 31. The chamber also hopes to secure funds for the Hunter Ice Festival itself.

“We hope to be able to write them a big check,” she said.

The charity gala will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a red carpet, photo booth, dinner, a silent auction, a dance show with local stars, dance lessons, DJ and cash bar. Katharos Catering is providing the food for the evening.

Silent auction items are donated by local businesses. The chamber will donate 50 percent of the proceeds back to the Hunter Ice Festival For any silent auction items donated by Niles Main Street businesses.

Any other non-profit who is interested in helping to sell tickets to the Ice Ball will receive a portion of their ticket sales and are welcome to donate silent auction items. Non-profits will also receive half of the proceeds from their donated items sold at the auction.

Sponsors for the Ice Ball include: DPM Events, Southwestern Michigan College (Ball Sponsor), United Federal Credit Union (Ice Sponsor), Owen Ames Kimball (Music Sponsor), TCU (Red Carpet Sponsor), Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union (Ticket Sponsor), AAA Tom Rasler Insurance Agency, The Flower Cart LLC, Inner Journey Healing Arts Center, Radio Shack-Niles and Your Business Needs Fans (Supporting Sponsors).

For more information on the Ice Ball, please visit www.nilesmi.com/ice-ball.html.

The Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, first established in 1919, in continuous operation since 1930, serves nearly 40,000 people in four townships.