This winter hasn’t really felt like winter. Instead of piles of snowdrifts and arctic blizzards, we have had several days of positively spring-like temperatures. As I’m no cold weather fan, I’ve enjoyed our mild winter, but I can’t help but hold out hope for some cooler temperatures for two upcoming events.

Winter festival season is here, and the Hunter Ice Festival in downtown Niles will be kicking it off this weekend. From the beautiful ice sculptures that will be on display to the delicious chili craw to a large number of business specials, everything about the Hunter Ice Festival is a treat. It is an event that makes me feel like a kid again, and I’m already so excited about it.

Niles isn’t the only city getting in on the winter fun.

On Feb. 1, downtown Dowagiac will also become a winter wonderland with the return of the city’s annual Ice Time festival. In addition to fun ice sculptures lining the sidewalks, the festival will feature a frozen fish toss competition, a human game of foosball, sled dogs, children’s crafts and more. If you’ve never attended the Ice Time festival, I cannot recommend it enough. Like all Dowagiac festivals, it is an event that shows how tight-knit and welcoming its downtown community is.

While both of these events will go on no matter what the weather is like, I can’t deny that a little bit of a chill in the air makes them feel even more magical — not to mention keeps the ice sculptures from melting. So for that reason, I’m breaking my rule and praying for snow after Christmas.

Either way, whether it snows or feels like a beach day, I hope to see all you out and about at these festivals to have some fun and show support to our communities.

Also, while you are out and about this weekend at the Hunter Ice Festival, don’t forget to stop by our newspaper offices at the corner of Main and Fourth streets. We will be serving donuts, coffee and half-off subscriptions to the paper. We would love to see you!