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Wreath Making
Liana Ward, 5, of Putnam, creates a Valentine wreath during the Fire and Ice Valentine event Feb. 10.  Crafts were available for kids in the Congregational Church of Putnam. More photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.

By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- It was the "best day ever" all around at the 8th annual Fire & Ice Valentine event in downtown Putnam.
Sheila Frost and Jenn Beckett of the Fire and Ice committee guesstimated that there were at least 8,000 in attendance Feb. 10.
Warmish temps inspired ice carvers to rethink their designs.
Restaurants such at the Courthouse and 85 Main, and others, reported high numbers as well.
The winners for the wedding cake competition were:
1st place Novice: Emma Walsh
1st Place Professional: Jonathan Salvas
People’s Choice Winner: Jonathan Salvas
Ice Carving Competition:
Amateur:
1st place: Matt Gibeault
2nd place: Marie Agresta
3rd place: Kayla Costabile
Group:
1st place: Salvatore and Jae Marano
2nd place: Woodstock Academy students
3rd place: Akanksha and Joel Tretheway
Professional:
1st Place: Steve White
2nd place: Arrik Kim
3rd place: Silvino Quengo.
"We are very pleased with this year's event," Frost added.