Ice is nice in Dartmouth, N.S., this weekend

The largest ice festival in Atlantic Canada takes place in Dartmouth this weekend.

The Ice Festival is back in Dartmouth, N.S., this weekend with a carving class to kick it off Friday.

“I’ve been doing it for over 40 years,” said Richard Chaisson, owner of Ice Creations in Dartmouth. “I show them, you know, the basic principle behind the ice and all how it’s made and just carving from the block,”

On Friday, he taught a young class as well as students from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design about carving and even adding colour.

The festival has been going on for several years, and it’s a way to get people on the streets in Dartmouth, helping boost winter business.

“It’s a celebration of winter as well, and we all want to get outdoors and enjoy the winter,” said Tim Rissesco, CEO of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission. “And we have lots of snow and we definitely have a lot of ice here in downtown Dartmouth.”

There’s lots to do this weekend, with the ice sculptures being front and centre on display.

“So those will be all ready tonight, and they’ll be illuminated,” said Rissesco. “And then on tonight as well, we have a DJ dance party in a 40-foot inflatable igloo. And as well, Friday night, Katie Kelly is hosting the new icons of Nova Scotia, a concert at Christ Church.”

Saturday is the main event. Portland Street will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ice carving starting on the street at noon. There will also be carvers at the Ferry Dock on Alderney Landing and much more.

“All along Portland Street, you’ve every second or third and street on both side you’ve got carvers doing carving,” said Chaisson, who will be building larger than life creations.

“There’ll be all kinds of activities for the family there,” said Rissesco. “There will be a dance party on the street, and then we do the DJ dance party again Saturday night. And then Sunday it’ll be all there to look at.”

With carvers from as far as Nunavut, these ice sculptures are expected to be dazzling.

“These are sculptures that you won’t see anywhere else,” said Rissesco. “And they’re only here for a limited time, just as long as Mother Nature lets them stay.”

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