A free event today in downtown Butler is underway and is using the winter weather to benefit a great cause.
It’s the Carved In Ice Festival and Chili Cook-Off.
The festivities are planned for today until 4 p.m. along Main Street in Butler. Entertainment will include live ice sculpture carving, a chili cook-off at the Butler Art Center, food trucks, wine and beer tasting, music and more.
“There’s no admission at all and all the money is raised by people purchasing these blocks of ice. We just try to sell as much ice as we can, not only to raise more money but it brings in more people the more ice there is for them to see, it keeps them occupied,” Butler A.M. Rotary President Elect Joyce Cully said.
After warm weather plagued the event for the first two years, this weekend is expected to see temperatures in the mid to high 30s. According to rotary co-chair Dena Martinez, there will also be plenty to keep the younger participants busy as well.
“We have a lot of children’s activities this year,” she said. “We will have the Kids Weekend Backpack Program group there and they’re going to have crafts for children in the Art Center so that will be a warm event. Outside we will have two balloon artists crafting balloons for kids.”
Proceeds will benefit the Kids Weekend Backpack Program, The Playground Project and other local charities.
Written By: Ryan Saeler for the Butler Radio Network
