PUTNAM — In just under a month, downtown Putnam will host the largest single ice-block competition in the U.S. — the Fire & Ice Festival. Feb.11 the public is invited to visit this community event, boasting more than three dozen ice carvings, 240 luminarias, fire-dancing performances, and a chocolate sculpting and molding contest.

2017 will see the return of the Fire & Ice Chocolate Contest. Back for a third year in a row, the contest will include sculpting, molding, and dessert decorating categories and will allow chefs, students, and novices to show off their talents. Submissions are still being accepted, with the application available on www.discoverputnam.com. There will be three categories: Professional, Student, and Beginner. All entrants will be judged based on originality, design, degree of difficulty, and quality of work. Frank Cameron, president of Les Amis Escoffier Society, and chairman of the Board of Connecticut Chefs, will serve as lead judge along with Rita Rivera, communications manager of Mystic Country. Continuing the theme of using chocolate as an artistic medium, artist Taylor Martin will be working on a chocolate painting throughout the festival, with visitors encouraged to watch her as she creates an original work of art.

In addition to the fan-favorite chocolate sculptures, the event will also continue the tradition of professional and amateur ice carvings, decorating the streets of downtown Putnam. Beginning at 11 a.m., there will be over a dozen pre-carved ice blocks on display as well as professional ice carving demonstrations. The creative spirit of northeastern Connecticut will be on display as professional and amateur artists carve more than 20 ice blocks, all sponsored by local businesses. Throughout the day, patrons can watch as 300-pound ice blocks are transformed into a variety of shapes and figures. At 11:30, there will be a professional ice carving demonstration by Ice Matters of Cheshire, sponsored by Cargill Chevrolet on the patio of 85 Main Restaurant. Other noteworthy displays include: a 5-foot Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, a 70-inch grandfather clock, an interactive sand and ice sculpture, and an ice luge. 

Despite winter weather, there will be plenty of ways to keep warm with dinner and drink specials available at local restaurants. The festival also provides an opportunity for newcomers to discover the many shops and galleries of Putnam. Sure to please the sweet tooth of all ages, milk and dark chocolate Fire & Ice candy bars will be available for purchase, with prizes hidden under the wrappers of select bars. Visitors are also invited to stop by a photo booth located downtown; silly poses in front of the official Fire & Ice backdrop are encouraged.

Keeping things romantic, the Fire & Ice committee asks the public to send in wedding photos for a collaborative art project to be displayed at the festival. Photos ranging from romantic to funny, old and new, will be accepted. Some noteworthy photos the committee is hoping to receive will be the oldest, most recent, photos containing the most bridesmaids, and photos with the cutest flower girl & ring bearer. Those interested in participating are invited to scan and send photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or drop off a photocopy of the photo at WINY Radio in Putnam. Photos will be incorporated into an art project and will not be returned.

As the sun goes down at the Fire & Ice Festival, 240 luminarias, sponsored by Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc., will fill downtown Putnam with an ambient glow. Fire torches will help light the way as Main Street transforms into a romantic setting for the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. Adding to the spectacle of the festival, visitors will be wowed by fire dancing performances from Firefly Caravan from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., courtesy of sponsor, Byrnes Agency. Popping up between Firefly Caravan’s performances, visitors will also be treated to live performances of iconic scenes from favorite romantic films, courtesy of The Complex Performing & Creative Arts Centre.