| Franklin on Ice lived up to its name this weekend as the festival carried on despite the subzero wind chills. "It's just slow and steady," Franklin events coordinator James Shreffler said of attendance Saturday afternoon. Shreffler admitted the crowd sizes were smaller than other years but still surpassed temperature-adjusted expectations. With the lingering cold weather, Glacial Ice Works, this year's carving company, has seen decreased attendance at other recent events. Franklin on Ice was the best crowd they have seen in a few weeks, Shreffler reported. He credited that to the festival's strong history, the supporting events around town and maybe a little cabin fever. "It's definitely nice to get out of the house," he said. While no crowd numbers are available to the come-and-go winter gathering, the ice blocks were easy to track. Ninety-two blocks to make a total of 32 sculptures of various sizes. Among the temporary statues was a patriotic display featuring two eagles in flight, the Liberty Bell and the number 250. "That's our premier sculpture. It's 15 blocks," Shreffler said. The annual slide for kids was also built on the picnic table patio as well as the throne near the Egbert Fountain. All built and carved by Glacial Ice Works, the name for recently sold DiMartino Ice Company. Shreffler said the company was purchased by a DiMartino family member and many of the employees stayed with the company, so new name but familiar faces in Fountain Park carving the ice on Friday and Saturday. The festival also included an array of indoor options to help visitors warm up and make a day of it. This included annual Franklin Retail Association and Franklin Fine Arts Council chili cook-off fundraiser at the Grumpy Goat Distillery. Jamie Woods was voted the top cook out of 10 entries. The Franklin Elks Lodge won the business category. At the Barrow-Civic Theatre, the 10th annual Nature Art Showcase and Sale was held. More than 50 artists had various works on display, all inspired by the natural beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania. There was also a magic show, Holey Jeans performance, storytime and crafts at the Franklin Public Library, and free hot chocolate and snacks at many of the downtown stores. |          |
With cold weather remaining in the forecast for at least a few more days, the sculptures will remain in the park for a little while longer.
But don't wait too long, it could hit the 30s on a Tuesday.
But don't wait too long, it could hit the 30s on a Tuesday.
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