Fire and Ice and Everything Nice, Only in Downtown Goshen!

The one and only First Fridays Fire and Ice Festival, featuring family-friendly fun, thrilling performances, and real-time ice carving, returns to Downtown Goshen on Jan. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. Professional ice carvers sculpt and transform 300-pound blocks of ice into streetscape art, fire dancers light the night sky, and Downtown Goshen businesses and eating and drinking establishments serve revelers with warm specials, hot deals, and sizzling seasonal offerings.

Ice carvers, their work generously sponsored by participating and member organizations, start early in the day—and in full view of amazed downtown onlookers—to bring their magnificent ice sculptures to life in time for the evening’s festivities. Children are encouraged to come royally dressed between 5 and 9 p.m. to have their picture taken while sitting on the ice throne or sleigh, and revelers can roast a free marshmallow over one of the toasty outdoor fires.

“The Fire and Ice Festival is such an exciting community tradition, and such a great way to kick off another season of free First Friday events,” said Amanda Rose, Director of First Fridays. “A big part of the reason that this event is so popular is that the community can actually witness the ice sculptures come together in real-time throughout the day. Ice carvers start early in downtown, and folks love watching them work in front of dedicated storefronts to turn their blocks of ice into time-bound art. The excitement and momentum just build throughout the day, culminating in a massive buzz as we watch fire dancers light up the night and view the amazing art being created. We just love the payoff for this event!”