Major changes to Medina Ice Festival

MEDINA — The 27th annual Medina Ice Festival on Feb. 19-22, billed as the largest ice festival in Northeast Ohio, will have a completely new look in 2021. Due to COVID-19, organizers have done away with the Fire and Ice Tower, one of the highlights of the event, along with all of the ice-carving demonstrations and competitions. It has been scaled down, much like what Main Street Medina did with the Candlelight Walk. For the ice festival, Main Street Medina Executive Director Matt Wiederhold said they eliminated anything that would encourage large crowds on the square. The event drew 30,000 to 40,000 visitors in a normal year, Wiederhold said. It is run by Medina native Aaron Costic, of Elegant Ice Creations, which is based in Broadview Heights. "People need to understand there is a health pandemic going on around the country," Wiederhold said. "We're going to do what we can to keep the traditions alive and keep people safe." Businesses in the Historic District and South Town that sponsor an ice sculpture will have it in front of their business. However, those located off the square, like title sponsor Serpentini Chevrolet, will have their ice carving in the new ice sculpture garden. "It's usually a huge boost to the businesses," Wiederhold said. "People can still see the carvings. They just won't be able to interact with the carvers." Wiederhold expects attendance to wane this year. The event is one week later than usual and is not on Presidents Day weekend. It was moved because of a wedding that was scheduled on the square. "It's generally a four-day event," he said. The event would normally get a large crowd on Monday, which was a holiday. This year, people will be working on Feb. 22. Tonight on the square The 1st Friday of the year is tonight on the square. There are extended hours at participating stores until 8:30 p.m. Drawings will be held at the Medina County Visitors Bureau, 32 Public Square, starting at 8:15 p.m. to pick the winners of the "Elves on Shelves" contest and "Holiday Moments" selfie entries. There will be a fun walk to Root Candles. Organizers are asking people to meet at Second Sole, 122 Public Square, at 5:45 p.m. for $12 gift certificates. They can walk to Root Candles, 623 W. Liberty St., beginning at 6 p.m. Shop at Root until 7:15 p.m. and receive a free spa candle. Return to Cool Beans, 103 W. Liberty St., around 7:30 p.m. for a free hot drink. People can also take the South Town History Walking Tour. They are asked to meet at the Visitors Bureau at 6 p.m. There will be a guided tour to South Town that ends at the new Farmers Exchange shops, 320 S. Court St. District Gift Cards will be available online Monday. They will be good at any participating Main Street Medina member business. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.