The streets of Clarks Summit were filled with people of all ages Saturday, smiling, drinking hot cocoa and admiring ice sculptures as part of the borough’s annual festival.
Most of the festival goers dressed in layers, hats, mittens and scarves, undeterred by freezing temperatures, which they say was a perfect backdrop for the event.
Festival organizers experienced a hiccup on Friday morning, when life was late arriving for the event.
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Clarks Summit’s annual Festival of Ice, provided an opportunity for area residents to get outside, with the cold weather providing the perfect backdrop for the event. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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The Gathering Place provided a temporary reprieve for ice festival goers on Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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An ice sculptor creates a artwork at Clarks Summit festival of Ice on Saturday. (SUBMITTED)
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Youngsters enjoy an ice sculpture at the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice on Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS)
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Clarks Summit’s annual Festival of Ice, provided an opportunity for area residents to get outside, with the cold weather providing the perfect backdrop for the event. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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But, Anne Armezzani, a member of the Abington Business & Professional Association, looking out onto the borough’s South State Street Saturday, said fortunately all of the ice had arrived and the festival had 49 sculptures reflecting the “The American Dream” theme.
This year, the ABPA took its cue from the country’s semiquincentennial, celebrating the achievements of Americans through the last 250 years.
Over the years, Armezzani said, the festival has continued to grow both in attendance, the number of sculptures and the amount of activity taking place within a three-day period.
Attendees especially enjoyed the festival this year, she said.
“Everybody has cabin fever and it was a great opportunity for them to get out,” Armezzani said. “Everyone is smiling.”
Denny Corby, a Clarks Summit native, now travels the country, but always returns for the festival.
“There’s nowhere like it,” he said of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “All across the country, we’re known for friendliness. Everybody knows everybody.”
Corby enjoyed a walk through the festival, where he often sees businesses that have been long-time staples of the community.
The event, he said, was a great opportunity for both the community and local businesses.
Karen Mouhia didn’t think twice about bringing her family to the festival, in spite of temperatures that lingered in the teens.
The low temperatures ensured the ice sculptures would remain intact and provided the perfect setting for the festival, she said.
Armezzani pointed out that many businesses provided a reprieve from the cold temperatures and a chance to do some mid-winter shopping.
The Gathering Place, the community center on South State Street, offered crafts for children and appropriate food items, including coffee and soup.
The festival continues Sunday with the annual first responders competition.