NILES — Professional ice carvers from as far away as Texas and as close as Niles were busy Wednesday morning preparing their frozen works of art for this weekend’s Hunter Ice Festival in downtown Niles.

A large semi unloaded hundreds of blocks of ice that the carvers will be using to make the dozens of sculptures that will appear throughout town Friday through Sunday.

Sculptor Danny Bloss, of Niles, said people can expect to see their favorite interactive displays return to the festival, including skeeball and ping pong. New this year will be an ice slide for children to enjoy.

Last year’s main attraction was a 15-foot tall ice dragon made from 18 300-pound blocks of ice.

Although the carvers wouldn’t divulge all their secrets, Bloss said people can expect to see a carving of Elsa from the Disney movie “Frozen” and a 7-foot tall terracotta warrior.

In addition to seeing the sculptures, festivalgoers can enjoy the following events:

 

Friday

• 5 to 7 p.m. — Psi Iota Xi sponsored Warming Center at 127 E. Main St. including the Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Hunter Ice Cream Booth on Main Street

• 7 p.m. — Sponsored sculptures placed throughout downtown

 

Saturday

• 9 a.m. — Frigid 5K Run. Registration at Inertia Cycleworks, 211 E. Main St.

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m — Multi-block sculptures carved throughout downtown

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Psi Iota Xi sponsored Warming Center at 127 E. Main St. including the Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities

• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Hunter Ice Cream Booth on Main Street

• Noon to 3 p.m. —Stop by the Chemical Bank Main Office located at 407 E. Main St. to enjoy warm refreshments and sleigh rides sponsored by Chemical Bank. Ask a Chemical Bank representative at either Niles location for a coupon and time slot. Limited space available.

• Noon to 4 p.m. — Children’s Activities at south side of Riverfront Park Amphitheater

• Noon to 4 p.m. — Free children’s crafts at Pizza Transit

• Noon to 4 p.m. — Wine and Beer Tasting at Massimo’s Backside Bar

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Pregnancy Care Center of Niles 4th Annual Baby Cakes Cupcake Contest/Fundraiser at The Bell Building, 305 N. 3rd St.

• 2 to 6 p.m. Wine and beer tasting and ice pong at Massimo’s Backside Bar

• 5 p.m. — “Chillin’ Ice Bar” at Massimo’s under the tent at Front and Main Streets

• 7 p.m. — 6th Annual Hunter Ice Festival Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Morris Supper Club, 1245 S. 11th St.

• 7:30 p.m. — “Ice Fights” at Riverfront Park Amphitheater

 

Sunday

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Psi Iota Xi sponsored Warming Center at 127 E. Main St. with Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Hunter Ice Cream Booth on Main Street

• Noon to 3 p.m. — Children’s Activities at south side of Riverfront Amphitheater

• Noon to 3 p.m. — “Chili Crawl” chili cook-off. Tickets available at the Warming Center & Hunter Ice Cream Booth

• 4 p.m. — “People’s Choice” awards for sculptures and chili cook-off at the Warming Center