Marietta Main Street will once again host the popular Marietta Ice Festival in downtown Marietta this upcoming weekend on Saturday, January 14th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s event is sponsored by The Glenwood Community. This year’s Ice Show will feature 15 hand carved ice sculptures staged throughout downtown from local artist Tyson Whistler plus a live carving on the lawn of the Armory which will start at 1pm.
Darla Bonnette, owner of Threadz Boutique, is excited for this event. “We always have a blast on the day of the ice festival. It’s always incredible to see the beautiful sculptures that are unique to each sponsor. The community coming together from far and wide to witness the event is worth all the planning. It’s definitely a downtown favorite by both the spectators and businesses!”
Emmy Strauss, Communications Director of the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted that they love seeing the support for our downtown businesses.
"We are so excited for the 2023 Marietta Ice Festival. Tyson has been working hard and we are eager to see his creations displayed around town! But this is more than just an event to view the ice masterpieces. It is also a great opportunity for our community and visitors to come together to support the small businesses of downtown,” said Strauss.
This year’s sculptures are sponsored by a variety of area businesses and the event itself is sponsored by The Glenwood Community. Lesa Casto, Sales Counselor for The Glenwood Community, said The Glenwood Community could not be more excited to be the Title Sponsor for this event.
“It is a privilege to be able to sponsor such a great event that brings so many community members together to see the artistry in the ice carvings,” said Casto.
Casto continued, “We always enjoy working with Marietta Main Street, because it gives us the opportunity to participate in the wonderful work they do preserving and enhancing downtown Marietta. This partnership is a great fit, because at The Glenwood Community, we too believe you thrive in community,”
In addition to The Glenwood Community as event sponsor, a variety of area businesses have come together to sponsor this year’s sculptures, including Just A Jar Design Press, Marietta-Washington County CVB, Marietta Moose Lodge #1823, The Cook's Shop, Peoples Bank, We Lov Pets, The Galley, Tabletop Puzzles & Games, Andy's Toy Chest, Jeremiah’s Coffee House, Threadz Boutique, DaVinci’s Restaurant, American Flags & Poles, Peoples Bank Theatre, J’s BBQ & Grill, Century 21 Full-Service Realty, and Mountain Ears Hearing Clinic.
One of the ice sculptures will be in front of American Flags & Poles. Sylvi Caporale, owner of American Flags & Poles, loves participating in the Ice Festival. “Because of the fun nature of this event, we love having the ice sculpture in front of American Flags & Poles.”