2nd Annual Talkeetna Ice Festival looks to brighten things up this weekend

For families, locals, and tourists looking for something fun, a little bit off the beaten path, and outdoors to do this weekend, look no further than the 2nd Annual Talkeetna Ice Festival.

“We wanted to do something during the colder, darker months that would brighten spirits and get people outside,” says Michelle Crow of the Denali Arts Council, which is coordinating the event.

Running February 1-5, the festival offers something for everyone. For history buffs, there will be a Talkeetna Jeopardy event on Thursday. On Friday, there will be a town-wide Art Walk.

“We have 16 businesses that will either feature an artist or offer an interactive activity.” There will be an Art Walk Passport activity, in which people can visit participating businesses and collect a stamp.

“When people turn in their passports, they’re entered in a drawing for gift baskets stuffed with goodies from the participating businesses!” said Crow.

Friday night, there will also be Fire and Ice Art Show with the Fire Spinners' performance set to light the night up 6pm.

Saturday will see events such as a live demonstration of ice carvings, the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Scavenger Hunt, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund, and for dog lovers, a one-of-a-kind “Dog Pull.”

“Dogs will race, pulling an empty keg,” explains Crow. The kegs will be approximate to the size of the dogs, so even the smaller pooches can participate.

“It’s going to be absolute mayhem and good fun!” The event is sponsored by the Denali Brewing Company.

The fun concludes Sunday with a Poker Ski event. As Crow explains,

“It’s a 7 mile ski and participants will stop and collect a card. The person with the best hand wins.”

If that’s a little too much, there will be a super skate event for skaters of all ages and levels. There will also be soups, cookies, and other treats.

Of course, the show stopper will be the ice sculptures.

“This is so much bigger than last year,” said Crow. Last year, the festival had 9 blocks of ice available for sculptors.

“This year, we have 15, with 12 people already signed up. People have already started carving their pieces,” she says.

The finished pieces will be available for viewing all winter long, weather permitting, of course.

“We really want this be something fun, a little different, and a way to get people outside. Especially after COVID kept people inside. And they can get away from the cities, come see some wonderful art, and have some fun.”

For more information, please visit www.denaliartscouncil.org/events-calendar