Pontiac, MI - The Fire & Ice Festival returns to Downtown Rochester after a two-year hiatus with an exciting new event – axe throwing. Admission to the festival, which runs Jan. 20-21, is free thanks to presenting sponsor Vibe Credit Union and other sponsors.
“The Fire & Ice Festival is a fun-filled opportunity to get out of the house, even in the depths of winter, to enjoy some fresh air and regain a sense of community,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “The event attracts thousands of people from across the region to get a taste of how joyful and active winter can really be.”
This year’s ice sculpting theme is myths and legends. Glistening ice sculptures will line Main Street along with the Big, Bright Light Show and its rainbow of colors. Plus, there will be an ice carving contest on Saturday. Spectacular fireworks will fill the sky thanks to sponsor Soave Enterprises. There will also be marshmallow roasting at the firepits along with the sumptuous Food Fest tent and food trucks.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation will bring out its zip line, rock climbing wall, and other fun activities because the long-term forecast predicts temperatures will remain above freezing leading up to and through the festival. These events will replace others such as ice skating, tube sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Other activities include Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center’s tent where festival goers may adopt dogs or renew or purchase dog licenses and the Rochester Fire Department spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfast to support Rochester Area Youth Assistance.
The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The festival site is at Third and Water streets in downtown Rochester. Parking is available at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1234 Walton in Rochester. There will be a free shuttle running between the restaurant and the festival.
For more information, go to go to www.OakGov.com/FireAndIce or Facebook.com/FireAndIceRochester.
County Executive Coulter, the Fire & Ice Festival Committee, Oakland County, Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the Cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills and Downtown Rochester thank this year’s presenting sponsor Vibe Credit Union; fireworks sponsor Soave Enterprises and DFCU Financial; major sponsor Rochester Mills Beer Co. and Consumers Energy; and supporting sponsors Buffalo Wild Wings, Byers Wrecker Service, Premier Pet Supply, Perspire Sauna Studio and Oxford Bank.