AMHERST — A unicorn, a bear and a penguin, all carved from blocks of ice, will be among the creatures displayed on the Town Common Friday and Saturday evenings.
“Ice Sculptures on the Common: A Drive-Thru Experience” runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on both days. The event is being organized by Amherst Recreation, the Amherst Business Improvement District and The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gabrielle Gould, executive director of the Amherst BID, said she had hoped to have a more elaborate festival the weekend after the Winterfest grand finale, with fire throwers, live music, a beer tent and hot mulled wine. The pandemic, though, changed those plans. “Our intention was to do an ice sculpture festival for a full weekend, and we intend to do so post-COVID,” she said.
The life-size animals, carved off-site, will be placed on pedestals that will light the creations. Those are provided by the Downtown Northampton Association.
Flakey, the Winterfest mascot, will be joined by other characters from local colleges and businesses and others in waving to passing spectators.
— Scott Merzbach