Organizers call Holland on Ice “the coolest event on the Lakeshore” and it returns this weekend, February 7th and 8th.
Some of the nation’s best professional ice carvers turn 10,000 pounds of ice into custom and interactive sculptures on display downtown with a full slate of winter events and activities.
“We've got our Merchant Meltdown sale. Our social district is open and then we have our Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K and Kids’ Mini-Melt as well.”
Kara de Alvare is the Marketing Coordinator for Downtown Holland and says the area is famous for its spring tulips but is really an all-season city.
“We're really fortunate in downtown Holland to have a snowmelt system that heats our streets and our sidewalks all winter long so that really allows us to be a destination all year. And with our ice rink that they're building that will be opening up next fall, it really gives people even more reasons to come downtown.”
De Alvare says typically first quarter is a slower time for downtown shops and restaurants, so the events offer an important economic boost.
“It really gives a big influx of business by creating a unique experience for people and a reason to come downtown in the middle of winter when it's often cold and everyone kind of has the winter blues, so we know that it has a huge impact on our businesses.”
For a full list of upcoming activities, visit the Downtown Holland website.
