‘Manayunk on Ice’ returns with Valentine’s Day theme

The frozen fun has begun in Manayunk.

The neighborhood’s second annual ‘Manayunk on Ice’ festival officially kicked off Friday night in the Venice Island Parking lot behind Main Street with a breathtaking 25-foot ice bonfire.  But it doesn’t stop there. 

The free festival continues through today with various ice carving competitions along Main Street and a Manayunk-inspired ice sculpting competition by the world’s first and only ice sculpting company, Fear No Ice. 

If you plan on joining the action Sunday, here’s what you need to know: 

From 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, nationally renowned ice-carvers will get their time to shine by creating original works out of ice in the Levering Lot at Main and Levering streets. The theme is “Obsession” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Vote for your favorite at the Levering Lot. 

At 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, the People’s Choice Awards will be announced in the Levering Lot. 

NICA sanctioned judges will rate the sculptures from 1 to 10 in a variety of categories including First Impression, Utilization of Ice, Attention to Detail and Creativity. Sculptors can win prizes from $50 to $2,000.

For an event map and sculpture tour information, go to the Manayunk Development Corporation’s website. 

For a comprehensive list of transportation and parking options, click on the event’s page. 

NW Playlist blogger Jimmy Viola will be at the festival on Saturday and Sunday.  Follow his tweets here and check back on Monday for his full article.