LOUDONVILLE — This weekend is on track to be the greatest Mohican Winter Fest yet based on the crowds Friday and Saturday that have rolled into Loudonville.
The 11th annual festival began on Friday, was in full swing on Saturday, and continues through Sunday. It features ice sculpting in front of numerous downtown businesses, with various restaurants and shops offering a variety of specials.
“This is going to be our most successful year,” said Georgia Kauffman, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Saturday afternoon’s temperatures surfed right along the 32-degree freezing mark, preserving the ice sculptures but warm enough to draw attendance, too.
“This is just about perfect,” Kauffman said. “Based on the numbers we’ve had, I would estimate at least 3,000 will be here, and that’s probably a very low estimate.
“We have indoor activities and outdoor activities, so there’s something for everyone at the Mohican Winter Fest.”
Loudonville figure skater and Olympic hopeful Kylie Snively and her skating partner Lauren Gwinn will perform a figure skating demonstration at the ice skating rink at the Loudonville Pool Complex on Sunday at 1 p.m.
In addition, model railroaders will display their collections in the Hans Event Center on North Water Street. Local model railroader David Sheaffer has organized the event, which will run Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday’s events also include the 12th annual Mohican Winter Hike at 10 a.m. at the park nature center and a concert featuring The Skeptikells at the Mohican Lodge from noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday’s main event was the ice carving demonstrations with Aaron Costic at the helm. Costic’s team from Broadview Heights-based Elegant Ice Creations created more than 20 intricate sculptures. They will remain on display in Central Park and scattered all over downtown through the weekend.
Fire & Ice fire poi demonstrations and a model train expo at the Hans Event Center on North Water Street was punctuated by Appalachian acoustic music at the Mohican State Park Lodge, and a Social Media Photo Scavenger Hunt.
The Social Media Photo Scavenger Hunt requires participants to snap photos at various locations and post them on social media with the hashtag #mochianwinterfest2017. Scavenger Hunt Hints will be posted on the DiscoverMohican Facebook and Twitter pages and the winner will receive a free overnight stay at Landoll’s Mohican Castle.
“We want everyone to know that Mohican just isn’t for the summer. It is about ridding ourselves of the winter blues, having a little fun all year long and this is just the beginning,” Kauffman said. “The whole premise of the Mohican Winter Fest is for our visitors to have a great time.”
