By Kate Bartlett
This February marks the 7th annual Fire and Ice celebration at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. As always, this charitable event raises funds for the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County. Bundle up and enjoy thrills and chills and the hotel grounds are transformed into an outdoor winter wonderland of ice sculptures, martini luges and bars. The event will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday February 13, 14 & 15 from 5-9PM with overnight packages available.
The Fire and Ice Celebration was started 7 years ago in Chautauqua as a way to bring the community together for a charitable event during the winter months. According to William (Liam) Hart Frantz, Sales Manager for Harbor Hotels, the event was inspired after seeing the success of a property in Portland, Maine. “We saw the success of a similar event at one of our properties in Portland and decided to do something similar at all three of our New York properties. It’s been a hit ever since.” The event is also held at the Harbor Hotels 2 other locations in Watkins Glen and Clayton NY, and is almost always a sell out event.
the evening. Some sculptures have interactive components, including the
ice air hockey table and martini luge. There are even bars carved completely of
ice and celebratory fi reworks to complete this one-of-a kind evening.
Fire and Ice has a similar feel across all 3 locations, and Harbor Hotels utilizes The Ice Farm located in Jordan, NY, for the ice sculptures for all 3 events. Liam describes the event as a unique fun, community driven event. “It really is an incredible event. Not only are the sculptures exciting, but everyone is gathered for a charitable cause; there’s a positive feeling in the air.”
Set up begins the Wednesday before the event, brining in 25,000 pounds of ice. “It’s incredible to watch them set up. The hotels grounds is completely transformed in only 24-28 hours.” Sculptures are set up outside amongst various firepits, and vendors set up inside the main ballroom. Plenty of appetizers and snacks are available along with wine tastings throughout the evening. Some sculptures have interactive components, including the ice air hockey table and martini luge. There are even bars carved completely of ice and celebratory fireworks to complete this one-of-a kind evening.
Since it’s inception, Fire and Ice has raised funds for the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County, raising a cumulative total of over $100,000 over the past 7 years. “CAP is such a wonderful Organization in this area, and we’re honored to be able to raise money for such a worthy cause,” says Liam.
Liams favorite part of the event is seeing the community come together. “It’s a celebratory feel; there’s a different energy when people gather for a cause. It feels good to do good, and there’s a positive energy in the air at Fire and Ice.”
Overnight packages are available, as well as event-only tickets. “We have sold out almost every year, and we expect this year to be no different. We love hosting guests from near and far; people have traveled great distances for this event in the past, and we have high standards to make it a unique, memorable evening for everyone.”
For more information and tickets visit thechautauquaharborhotel.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates leading up to the event. Tickets can be purchased on Events.com.