Winter Fest Is Back
Looking for a fun winter diversion? This event is for you.
We may be sick of winter, but as the saying goes, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
Harping on the dreary days, freezing temperatures and icy snow (or lack thereof) doesn’t help, but embracing all that winter does have to offer helps the days go by a little quicker. Skiing, skating, snowboarding, ice climbing, fat biking and cross-country skiing are all great, but winter festivals, like the 3rd Annual Winter Fest in Concord on January 29 and 30, take outdoor fun to another level.
This year’s event might look a little different due to COVID-19, but there will still be plenty of events to enjoy. A few of New England’s most talented ice carvers will kick off the weekend with ice carving demonstrations on Main Street. As you marvel at sculptures ranging from snowmen to butterflies, feel free to take a winter shopping stroll and visit one of the many unique boutiques downtown like Gondwana Divine Clothing Co. or Granite State Candy Shoppe. There will be a variety of outdoor games and activities taking place for you and your family to try. If you get cold, there will also be warm-up stations offering hot cocoa, hot cider and a variety of snacks. Don’t forget to head back on Saturday to find out which ice sculpture will be judged the king of the competition!
Meet Three of the Ice Carvers:
Eric Knoll is a culinary graduate from Johnson & Wales University. He discovered his love for the art of ice carving in 2008 and hasn’t slowed down since.
Eric has competed in a few ice carving competitions in Keene, NH, Stowe, VT, Ithaca, NY, Fairbanks AK, and is returning again to Concord.
With three top five finishes at the World Ice Art Championships, he enjoys the challenges of competitions and always pushes himself to raise the bar.
Dave Soha is a lifetime resident of Manchester, where he lives with his wife of four years, Marcia. Dave has worked as food service director at Carlyle Place Assisted Living Nursing Home in Bedford going on 28 Years.
Dave shares a part-time business with partner Dennis Hickey carving ice at Ice Breakers Ice Carving in Manchester for the past 20 years.
Dennis Hickey is the co-owner of Ice Breakers LLC located in Manchester. He is also the director of culinary services at Aynsley Place in Nashua. He has been cooking professionally for over 35 years and ice sculpting for over 22 years.
For more information, visit intownconcord.org/index.php/winter-fest.
