FeedsCold front expected for Ice Festival
Many people from all over the world support the Plymouth Ice Spectacular. Looks like Mother Nature is a fan, too.
Despite having an unseasonably warm winter, early predictions indicate a shift back to Michigan winter-like temperatures just in time for 25th Annual Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular starting Jan. 19.
“It’s Michigan and the cold weather had to come back eventually,” said Mike Watts, the head of the Plymouth Ice Spectacular.
Watts said the huge blocks of ice used during the festival are stored on refrigerated trucks and only brought out when the artist is ready to create his work. The cold weather will allow the sculptures to hold their frozen shapes longer, allowing more spectators to see the artwork.
Watts said regardless of the weather, ice-carvers would be outside in Kellogg Park creating frozen images of all shapes and sizes.
“If ice sculptures are made in the Bahamas on cruise ships, it can be done in above-normal temperatures in Plymouth,” he said.
According to Rich Pollman, from the Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor office of the National Weather Service, a cold front is slowly traveling north, bringing in more seasonal weather.
“There is a pattern of cold air developing for this week leading into next week,” said Pollman. Pollman attributes the recent warmer temperatures to the El Nino weather effect gripping much of the East Coast and Midwest.
While some were concerned about how the weather would impact the Ice Festival, others associated with the event had no concerns.
“We had years that have been warm and other years when you feel like the Michelin Tire Man because you have so many clothes on,” said Plymouth City Manager Paul Sincock.
Sincock, who has been around the Ice Spectacular since near its inception, said the event provides a fun and safe time for the entire family—regardless of the weather.
“It’s a great time to come out and experience Michigan weather and the outdoors,” said Sincock. “Things will be fine.”
