One of the best ways to support the tourism industry year-round is through being a tourist (locally or otherwise). How are you a tourist in winter? Do you seek out good flight deals to sneak away to catch some warmer weather? Do you embrace the winter and go skiing or snowboarding? Or, do you bundle up and try to make it through the season until spring arrives?
When the option to stay at home under a blanket with a movie is more enticing than bundling up to face winter weather, creative thinking is required.
Frederick does a fantastic job of this with the annual Fire In Ice event.
On the first weekend of February, Downtown Frederick becomes an ice sculpture wonderland. Ice sculptures are placed throughout Frederick, and winter-themed activities and events are happening all day long – from s’mores stations to fire pits to “ice games” to live Pyrophoric Fire performances.
The only thing it requires is the cold weather! A couple of years ago, it rained and the ice sculptures melted – yikes!
Luckily, at the 2023 Fire In Ice Event this past weekend, the weather was perfectly chilly! I attended the festive and fun event. Here’s a great photo of the Maryland Flag – in ice!
There was a lot of variety in the ice sculptures that were on display. Nonprofit organizations participated in the ice sculptures in addition to traditional retailers and other organizations. They were also kids’ games and adult games (of course, the adult games were in the form of shots or other silliness). The live ice carvings demos were definitely a highlight!
There are always creative ways to support local, even in winter months. How does your hometown keep the community active and engaged during the winter season?
Send us a message to share – we’d love to hear from you.
Reimagining Places With You,
Sandy and the PPR Strategies Team
