From board to video, games of all sorts will be transformed into icy works of art in Hamilton this weekend. IceFest 2019 returns for two days centered on a game night theme.
Event Chairman Jacob Stone expects the subject should appeal to all ages.
"You've got the things that resonate with me, like video games and video game characters like Mario, but you also have traditional board games, like family game night. Then you have sports in addition to that," he says.
More than 25 tons of ice will be transformed into sculptures by artists using tools including chainsaws. Some 50-plus sculptures will be on view around downtown Hamilton.
This is the city's 11th IceFest and Stone says it's the largest one yet.
"All of the sculptures are based off of sponsorship from the community," he says. "We've been fortunate to grow the base of people engaged with the event."
IceFest begins Friday with a live carving demonstration that includes using fire. carving competitions, activities for children, food and crafts vendors, and a speed-carving event.
IceFest is free. Hours are Friday, Jan. 18, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
