By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The rather warm temperatures hardly dampened the enthusiastic record crowds at the 13th annual Fire and Ice Festival.
The event, powered by the Town of Putnam and the Putnam Business Association, included everything from ice carving to the Big Igloo, UConn’s mascot Jonathan, Love Lane exhibit of Putnam student artists, face painting, Yeti on Stilts, DJ’s, games, Mirror Man Entertainer and LED Light Robot on Stilts, a warming block with a heart-shaped fire pit, food, 24 vendors, fire performances, veteran groups and more.
Fire and Ice Chairperson Jennifer Brytowski called the event a “home run.”
She said: “2024 is the new record-breaking year to beat. We showcased 64 ice creations made out of more than 80 300-pound blocks of ice. Twenty blocks were set for artists to create on site and the rest came precarved or created by the ice team over months of planning.”
Brytowski added: “We had the signature fire performances, food trucks and our massive bonfire pit but also added more unique experiences with roaming stilt walkers and magician. We featured a living snow globe, added a couple new dance floors and a curling game. It really brought a new element to the event.”
She noted the cake contest’s 3,782 votes by people’s choice was a record breaker.
She said, “If the highest attendance was projected at 20,000 in the past, there had to have been at least a few thousand more than that easily.” Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace said he didn’t count but it had to be a record as most of the day “people were shoulder to shoulder.”
Asked about possible changes for next year, Brytowski said: “As far as next year goes, there is a lot to discuss. However all the focus is on, and will always be on, making positive improvements to continue to showcase Putnam as the unique visitor destination it proves to be.”
In the ice carving the winners
Amateur: 3rd – Ren Deojay - Bear Hands Brewing Company Block Sponsor; 2nd - Marie Agresta - Congregational Church of Putnam Block Sponsor; 1st - Robert Bates - CT State Community College - Quinebaug Valley. Block Sponsor (dragon). Group: 3rd - Victoria Schroth - Evergreen Farms Block Sponsor; 2nd - Brittni & Simone Germain - NorthStar Home Loans Block Sponsor; 1st - Arrik Kim - Silver Circle Gallery & Sawmill Pottery Block Sponsor. Professional: 3rd - Silvino Quengo - Longmeadow Automotive Block Sponsor; 2nd - Rena Mason - Cargill Chevrolet Block Sponsor; 1st - Phil Mason - ServiceMaster by Mason Block - dinosaur (He won first place last year under the amateur category).
The cake decorating contest, Ooey Gooey Love, was the “sweetest” part of the festival.
Contest organizer, Tayler Sazhin said there were 16 competitors and she was very pleased with it.
Judges’ Choice — Flavor: Professional --- Kat Collin (white three-tier cake with gum paste florals); Novice --- Michelle Bartholic (Muppets Cake).
People’s Choice — Appearance: Professional: Jonathan Salvas — Ooey Gooey caramel and chocolate cake with macaroons and brownies); Novice: Cindy Miller — Willy Wonka Cake.
Brytowski added: “Overall, I feel like the event was a huge success. Families, couples and friends shared moments of laughter and intrigue together on our streets and in our shops and restaurants all day long. For some, we have become their tradition which is something I hold near and dear to my heart.”
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caption, page 1:
An icy interactive portrait at Putnam's Fire & Ice Fest. Expanded photo array Wed. night on FB (Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger). More photos on page 4. Linda Lemmon photo.
captions, clockwise, page 4:
Far left: The Muppet cake - a winner. Left: Hudson Smith with UConn mascot Jonathan
Right: Winner CT State Community College: Quinebaug Valley. Courtesy photo.
Hazel Martinez puts in a people's choice vote while her mom, Marjorie, holds her up. They're from Killingly.
Simone Germain (orange outfit)
Rebecca Patenaude
