RICHMOND, IN — For the 13th year, the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival returns.
From Wednesday, Jan. 28, through Saturday, Jan. 31, the festival allows plenty of activities, including a vast array of ice sculptures scattered around the city and within Jack Elstro Plaza.
While the Meltdown Throwdown, the festival’s biggest event, isn’t until the last day, local businesses and organizations are getting in the spirit all week long.
Chili for Charity kicks off annual festivities
Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Eight to the Bar (931 E. Main St.), the Morrisson-Reeves Library is hosting a chili cookoff as local chefs pair up with nonprofits to compete for awards. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $25 at the door.
With a ticket purchase, attendees will receive unlimited chili samples and the ability to vote for winners. The event will also include a cash bar.
Throughout the week, local businesses will be offering Meltdown-themed deals, including:
Thursday events feature ice carving viewing, carver Q&A
Although Wednesday’s offering allows for guests to keep their stomachs warm, Thursday’s events offer the opportunity to be close to something cold.
Starting at 1:30 p.m. inside The Leland Legacy (900 S. A St.), visitors can see an ice carver create a sculpture outside the windows of the building.
After the viewing, Morrisson-Reeves Library (80 N. Sixth St.) is hosting another event at 4 p.m., dedicated for families with children 10 and younger. They will get a chance to meet an ice carver, see a live demonstration, and ask questions.
The Richmond Police Department’s K-9 and PACT divisions will also attend, as well as Richmond High School cheerleaders doing face paintings. The festival’s mascot, Melty, will also allow people to get photos with him.
Last day features full slate of activities for all ages
From hot chocolate to free horse drawn trolley rides to the Meltdown Throwdown, Saturday, Jan. 31, is the biggest day of the festival.
Hayes Arboretum (801 Elks Road) begins the day’s events at 10 a.m. when it offers free hikes, a driving tour, crafts and complimentary hot chocolate (at the Nature Center) until 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to either bring in their favorite mug or to stop in early for a free Starbucks reusable cup while supplies last. Hikes, crafts and the driving tour are scheduled until 4 p.m.
At 11 a.m., Paint the Towne (411 N. Eighth St.) will hold a Frozen-themed costume contest for children up to 12 years old, where prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners. Everyone who participates will also receive a $5 gift certificate. From noon to 5 p.m., children can also make a “Snowy Creatures” craft.
The Depot Building (Better Homes and Gardens, 900 N. E St., Richmond) will offer free horse-drawn trolley rides to and from Elstro Plaza from noon to 4 p.m., where it will follow The Loop.
From 1 to 4 p.m., the Joseph Moore Museum at Earlham College (801 W. National Road, Richmond) will offer a program where guests can learn about ice science through activity stations and crafts. Admission is free.
The teams have already been chosen, but at 4 p.m. at Jack Elstro Plaza, teams of public employees will compete against each other in the annual ice-cream eating contest. Ullery’s (168 Fort Wayne Ave.) will be selling special Meltdown-themed flavors all day.
Taking place across the Depot District and downtown Richmond, a pub crawl leading to the Meltdown Throwdown will be available for those who are interested from 5 to 9 p.m. Six locations are participating (yet to be announced) and those who visit five will receive a limited-edition pint glass.
The festival culminates in the Meltdown Throwdown at 7:30 p.m. at Elstro Plaza, as Team Fire and Team Ice compete against each other, under time constraints, for the best carving, with the vote determined by public reaction, followed by fireworks to signal the end of the festival.
To learn more about the festival, visit richmondmeltdown.com or its Facebook page at facebook.com/RichmondMeltdown.
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Since their debut in 2014, the ice carvers have become a beloved winter fixture, transformingMain Street, Elstro Plaza, and the Depot District with stunning sculptures. This year’s festivitiesinclude the popular Meltdown Throwdown, fireworks, a chili cookoff, and interactive activities.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: ‘Meltdown Throwdown’ returns for 13th year. Here’s what’s going on
Reporting by Richmond Palladium-Item / Richmond Palladium-Item
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