SCRANTON, Pa. — Blocks of ice rolled out of a trailer as the setup for the Downtown on Ice festival got underway in Scranton. This year's theme is "Under the Big Top."
"We have over almost 60 sculptures, including some live sculptures, some interactive pieces that you can get in and really experience, and we're really excited that the entire downtown business community has really adopted this," said Tony Bartocci, co-chair of the Downtown on Ice committee.
About 50 businesses and organizations are involved with the event, including Fork 'n' Bowl on Penn Avenue. The restaurant has only been in business for two years but looks forward to what it can bring during a normally slow time of the year.
"Honestly, anything that brings more business, more eyes on our business, is beneficial. (There are) a lot of great new businesses downtown, especially this block in particular," said owner Rich Kloss.
Many of the businesses are having specials. Kloss says they, too, have something extra planned at the restaurant.
"We're going to have some carnival games tomorrow. We're going to be doing free cotton candy starting tonight, and it's all day tomorrow. So, we're also keeping the business open later than normal."
In addition to the ice sculptures, there will be live carvings over the course of two days, as well as other entertainment in keeping with the theme.
"Things like stilt walkers, some fire, some twirling, and some other surprises," Bartocci said.
The weather looks great for people who want to do something outside, but the warmer temperatures aren't ideal for ice. Organizers say they have plans to protect the ice and make it last as long as possible for everyone to enjoy.
"Each sculpture will come protected in its own little isolated tote, and each business will be taking good care of it. But we know it's here to bring people together, so regardless of the weather, we know that we're expecting a good crowd," Bartocci added.
Festivities for Downtown on Ice end at 9 p.m. Friday, and then the action resumes on Saturday.