Fire & Ice coming
Feb. 9
PUTNAM — In less than a month, downtown Putnam will once again host the largest single ice block competition in the U.S. — the 9th Annual Fire & Ice Festival. From noon to 9 p.m. Feb. 9, the public is invited to visit this community event, boasting more than five dozen ice carvings, ice photo opportunities, 30-foot inflatable igloo, Anna and Elsa meet and greet, a stilt-walking fire princess, glowing fire torches, fire-dancing performances, rose sales, a cake decorating contest, and more.
Ice carvings will decorate the streets of downtown Putnam with both pre-carved ice blocks and live demonstrations. Throughout the day, patrons can watch as 300-pound ice blocks are transformed into a variety of shapes and figures — all sponsored by local businesses. Watch as professional, amateur and group carvers create their masterpieces, from noon to 5 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 6 at the Congregational Church of Putnam on Main Street.
Ice Matters, a full service professional ice-carving company in Cheshire, will supply all of the ice blocks and will have its own live ice-carving demonstration sponsored by Putnam Ford at 1:30 p.m. on the patio of 85 Main. Other not-to-be-missed carvings include: event-inspired photo opportunities, sand art community sculpture, a unicorn, a golf bag, and more.
For 2019 adult patrons, SKYY Vodka will be returning with their Ice Bar Sponsorship outside The Courthouse Bar and Grille. Rumple Minze specialty drinks will be poured off the Ice Luges featured at The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub, Jessica Tuesday’s and Someplace Special sponsored by Hartley and Parker. 85 Main will be serving up its own mixture of adult beverages and icy creations sponsored by Ketel One.
Despite the icy February weather, there will be plenty of ways to keep warm with dinner and drink specials available at local restaurants and — new this year — a 30-foot inflatable ice igloo. Anna and Elsa will be available from noon to 4 p.m. inside the igloo for a meet and greet, as well as a stilt-walking fire princess roaming around the outside of the igloo, sponsored by Gerardi Insurance Services, for great unique family photo opportunities.
The festival also invites newcomers to discover the many shops and galleries of Putnam. The Congregational Church of Putnam will be a hot spot of activity throughout the event, featuring roaring fire pits and free hot chocolate. The church will also feature a special cake contest, aptly titled, “Love is in the Air.”  Professional and novice bakers will be showing off their culinary masterpieces. All entrants will be judged based on originality, best flavor and artistic creation. Submissions are accepted, the application available on www.discoverputnam.com. In keeping with the romantic feel of the day, roses, candy bars, with special Discover Putnam prizes and wine glasses, hand- painted for Fire and Ice by Be Charming by Kaila, will also be available for purchase from 1 to 5 p.m. at the church.
As the sun goes down at the Fire & Ice Festival, fire torches will fill downtown Putnam with an ambient glow. The ice sculpture masterpieces will be lit with color effects. Adding to the spectacle of the festival, visitors will be wowed by fire-dancing performances from Sasha the Fire Gypsy. Courtesy of sponsor Byrnes Agency, performances will take place at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 p.m. with Sasha combining choreography, theatrics, acrobatics, and dance with speed, difficulty, and excitement.

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