Plans for the 2023 Ice Fest Announced
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival, dubbed as one of the most popular events and a premiere winter gala across the state, is coming back in 2023 after a several-year hiatus.
Event organizers have been meeting with the city and other potential sponsors to plan for the return of this treasured event, which will occur from Feb. 18 to Feb. 26. The ice sculptures will be along Bennett Avenue and there will be vendors and activities on both weekends, including President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 20.
The city of Cripple Creek is excited to host this popular event again and “cannot wait to see the Ice Festival back on the streets in full form,” according to key local officials.
In 2007, Cripple Creek began hosting the Ice Festival, and it became an annual event from that point onwards. This event has always been popular for locals and visitors alike. It also ranked as one of the most popular events, according to results of the very competitive Best of Cripple Creek and the High County contest, hosted by TMJ News, with annual participation from thousands of readers.
The Ice Festival will be returning after a two-year hiatus thanks to the popular demand of those who have loved and supported the event throughout the years. 2023 will be the 14th Cripple Creek Ice Festival. Cripple Creek officials are pleased that the support of the event has been so strong throughout the years.
“I am happy to announce Cripple Creek will have Ice Festival this coming February. We have not had one since 2019 due to the COVID and lack of finances. The Ice festival is made possible this year through sponsorships from the city, casinos, and local business. It will be good to see everyone this February,” said Cripple Creek Mayor Milford Ashworth.
“The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is one of the largest ice carving events in the country,’
said Cripple Creek Special Projects Director, Jeff Mosher. Mosher also stated, “The event draws visitors from across the country and even internationally. It is a significant economic driver for our small businesses and an amazing display of artistic skill and talent. These carvers can do some amazing things.”
In 2020, the event became a competition with ice carving teams vying for a $5,000 cash prize.
The general public votes for their favorite carving and the team with the most votes is declared the People’s Choice Award Winner. Each carving team may pick their own theme for their artwork. This allows teams to choose a theme that displays their unique skill set and imagination. Voting is open throughout the event and closes at noon on Sunday, February 26.
The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. that day.
Carvers prefer to work in the cold so often the majority of the work is done at night. They will begin working on their sculptures on Wednesday, February 15th, with significant pieces required to be completed by the first day of the event. Sculptures will be on display throughout the 9-day event and will remain displayed for several days following the event or until they begin to melt too much.
More information to come as plans are finalized.
For more details about the Ice Fest and other city events, go to visitcripplecreek.com.
