Most days, many Michiana residents would be perfectly pleased with a 57-degree January day, but when one of the area’s favorite traditions depends on freezing weather for optimal success, people wish Jack Frost would stick around a while longer.
Throughout the last 13 years, I have experienced just about every kind of weather there is during the Hunter Ice Festival. There have been years so cold I couldn’t feel my fingers to take pictures, and other years there was hardly any snow on the ground at all.
This weekend is predicted to be more like the latter, as local meteorologists have forecasted unusually high temperatures. But that is OK!
Perhaps one of the best aspects of the Hunter Ice Festival is the transient nature of the featured art. No matter how cold a January we experience, the ice sculptures will inevitably disappear, which means people are drawn to downtown quickly to see them while they last.
With the window of opportunity even shorter than in previous years, it is important for those contemplating attending the festival to remember that there is more to see than just the sculptures.
This year’s ice festival will feature many other traditions, including homemade Hunter ice cream, which may be even tastier in the warmer weather! Speed carving may draw larger crowds than usual to the Riverfront amphitheater with less frigid temperatures and the chili cookoff should offer plenty of incentives to get out and see what our downtown has to offer.
While you are out and about this weekend, be sure to stop in and see our staff at Leader Publications, located at 217 N. Fourth St. We will serve hot coffee, hot cocoa and free treats to anyone who stops by to say hello. While you are at it, stop by and visit our new neighbors at the new NECI Book Store, or try out Katheros Catering’s pop-up restaurant upstairs at 219 N. Fourth St.
Also this weekend, Jim’s Smokin’ Café makes its debut in the former Paris Soda Shop location, Olfactory Hue Catering & Bistro celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Brass Eye is serving a special bloody mary bar and other downtown businesses are offering special deals and activities that patrons may only take advantage of during festival weekend.
My point is, regardless of whether we have a 20-degree day or a 57-degree day, the show will go on, and there is plenty to see and do at the Hunter Ice Festival.
I hope to see many of you throughout the weekend.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She may be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.