Ice festival won’t melt away
Richmond’s MELTDOWN Winter Ice Festival was in danger of cancellation, but organizers say the event definitely will take place.
A committee recently put out a call that an additional $4,500 in sponsorships and donations was needed, and the free family activity could have been canceled if funds weren’t raised.
Mary Walker, executive director of the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau, said the festival is “now a go.”
The committee still is raising money for marketing and other related costs, so contributions still are welcome.
The second MELTDOWN festival is set for Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 1. Events will take place to draw customers downtown and to Richmond’s Historic Depot District.
Organizers say the 2014 festival drew about 5,000 visitors and had more than 75,000 Facebook page views. Last year, restaurants in the depot district had a dramatic increase in business during the MELTDOWN, Walker said.
The MELTDOWN occurs when there are few other activities planned.
Organizers want local families to get outside and make memories exploring areas such as the Family Fun Zone. It is an interactive area with a slide and games made of ice.
They also want to draw tourists from around the region to spend dollars here.
January is a lean month for many businesses after the highs of Christmas spending in December.
Local and out-of-town visitors might stop in shops or restaurants along the way to get warm, buy a souvenir or purchase some food or hot beverages.
“This really helps businesses,” Walker said. “It has the ability to inject dollars into our economy at a time when they are very much needed.”
The festival is being marketed regionally. Walker said Indianapolis’ Fox 59 TV station already has committed to coming to the event. She expects Dayton and Bloomington TV crews might return, too.
The event is expensive to offer because of supplies and personnel. Between 22 to 25 tons of ice are needed for the sculptors to use, said Richmond Parks and Recreation Department superintendent Bill Thistlethwaite, who also serves on the MELTDOWN organizing committee.
The participating carvers, including Thistlethwaite’s son, are all world-class, award-winning professionals. They shut down their businesses to travel and participate in festivals.
Organizers also had made plans to expand the festival after it was so well received during its inaugural year.
For instance, the popular ice fights (a carving competition featuring professionals) didn’t have enough space in the depot district. Last year’s first night of the ice fights drew 850 to 1,000 people and the second night even drew about 200 to watch in cold rain, Thistlethwaite said.
Plans have been made to move the ice fights to the city parking lot at North Seventh and A streets. By offering ice fights at the parking lot, more nearby activities can be organized, such as special music at Morrisson-Reeves Library.
Organizers also want to have a higher number of larger sculptures with improved lighting to draw even more people.
Committee member Mary Jo Clark said this year’s festival will offer an educational activity to help connect local students with ice carvers. The carvers have culinary school backgrounds and would share information with students about how important education is for their careers.
How to contribute
Contributions are still sought for the MELTDOWN Ice Festival’s marketing and other expenses. Sponsorships start at $250. Checks should be made payable to Richmond Art Museum, the event’s fiscal agent.
Checks should be sent to Center City Development Corp., 814 E. Main St., Richmond, IN 47374. Indicate the money is for MELTDOWN Ice Festival on the check.
For more information about sponsorships, call (765) 962-8151 or email jasonw@mycentercity.com