Plymouth MI Ice Festival Wrap Up

The 2009 Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular is a wrap!

Warmer weather on Friday probably worried organizers, but cold weather was back on Saturday....and so were the crowds!

The local economy had an impact as there were fewer ice sculptures, particularly in front of local merchants. Also missing this year were the live reindeer.

Here's some photos showing the highlights:



This Saturday, January 31st is Northville MI 4th Annual Fire & Ice Festival running from Noon to 4 PM.

Get Set for the Plymouth MI Ice Sculpture Spectacular

If it's going to stay as cold as it is this year, we might as well enjoy an event that celebrates it. The Plymouth MI Ice Sculpture Spectacular comes to Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth this weekend.

Starting at Noon on Friday, January 27th and running through Sunday, January 29th, the event features ice carvers from local high schools, colleges, and professionals from around the United States and some from as far away as Japan.

Over 100 sculptures are expected to be carved, mostly from single blocks of ice weighing over 300 pounds. Several sculptures will be constructed using between 5-100 blocks of ice, and you can watch the carving process from the beginning of stacking the blocks of ice to the finished works of art.

Besides the ones filling Kellogg Park, the customized sculptures standing outside the local merchants were some of my favorites last year. From whimsical, like one on the left outside Compari's (my favorite restaurant) to corporate, there's surely a sculpture to please everyone.

One of the most popular places to visit will be "Fantasyland" with entertainment and education for the younger crowd. Each day's events include competitions and an evening light show at dusk.

For recommendations on where to eat during the festival, check out the Plymouth Living blog. Then check out the schedule of events, print out a downtown walking map, and plan to be impressed.

It's an experience you won't soon forget!

Icy Danger Lurking Overhead

With all the snow we've had so far this year, it's the perfect storm for ice dams to form on your roof.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams are formations that occur at the edge of a roof near the gutters or soffits when snow melts and refreezes. Icicles are often a telltale sign. Once formed, water backs up behind the ice dam pooling and infiltrating your home, which can cause significant damage.

The best prevention is adequate ventilation and proper insulation of your home to prevent an overly warm attic. Additionally, the roof should have a vapor barrier under the roofing material to help prevent an ice dam.

Keep a close eye on your roof to recognize if maintenance and/or repair is required when weather permits. And stay warm out there!

Photo courtesy of melaniejo