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Ice Festival ready to freeze the day Saturday in Marietta

Tyson Whistler carves a dragon in an ice block during the live demonstration at the Marietta Ice Festival in January 2024. This year’s festival is Saturday, where volunteers hope to have the sculptures up by noon. (File Photo)

MARIETTA — The ninth annual Glenwood Community Ice Festival hosted by Marietta Main Street will be held Saturday in downtown Marietta where the sidewalks will have an icy sparkle.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors to see 19 ice sculptures on display throughout the historic commercial district.

Each sculpture is the work of Tyson Whistler of Whistler Ice Works. Whistler, who begins the process long before the sculptures are revealed, said he’s excited about this year’s designs.

“This is the ninth year of putting ice sculptures on the streets of historic downtown Marietta,” he said. “This year, there will be new designs and a nice combination of 3D style, logo style and photo op cutout style sculptures.”

Volunteers from Main Street will work with Whistler to set the sculptures in place by noon Saturday. A live sculpture carving by Whistler will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Armory on Front Street.

Each sculpture begins as a 300-pound ice block Whistler began freezing in October. Whistler uses templates, freehand carving and special tools to create a piece of art either of a single block or multiple pieces joined together.

Sponsoring the festival is a pleasure, Linda Dailey, senior executive director of The Glenwood Community, said.

“We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Marietta Ice Festival, an event that brings so much joy and creativity to our community. Tyson Whistler of Whistler Ice Works, who provides the stunning ice displays, is a valued employee of The Glenwood Community,” she said. “Supporting Tyson and our community is something we are truly passionate about, and we look forward to being part of this wonderful tradition each year.”

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