By Delainey Muscato
St. Bonaventure University
For the 5th year in a row, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is holding their iconic Fire and Ice Celebration. The Fire and Ice Celebration begins at other locations in the Harbor Hotel Collection. First, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel celebration begins January 26th. Clayton Harbor Hotel in the 1000 Islands then kicks off their event February 2nd. And finally, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel hosts the last celebration from February 9th – 11th. All celebrations at each location last three days. I talked to Diandra Morgan and Terra Bollman from the hotel to learn more about how this event comes together.
Morgan and Bollman have been working together on the Fire and Ice Celebration for five years. “We have a role in all aspects of the event from the initial planning to execution and operations the days of”, they told me. They certainly have a big job. Morgan and Bollman work together to keep more than 20,000 lbs. of ice in order in addition to all the other work they do to keep the event running smoothly. The hotel gets all that ice from the Ice Farm in Jordan, NY. Stan Kolonko and his incredible team at the farm deliver the ice to the hotel the day before the event begins. Bollman said, “They will start assembling the ice wall of sponsor blocks and carving the finishing touches on the sculptures Thursday morning”. Each year sponsors of the event come up with new ideas for sculptures to display at the Fire and Ice Celebration. This year they have over 40 sponsors. These sponsors are businesses in the area that even offer donations of products. Morgan said, “We are so grateful for our local business involvement!”
This year the event goes from 5pm – 9pm all three days. Food and drink vendors will be offering samples throughout the Pier Ballroom in the hotel. There will be many choices of food including chili and chowder to keep guests warm while they peruse the icy exhibits. Eventgoers will also have an array of desserts to try. And the most impressive part, the bars m
ade entirely of ice, will have beer and martinis. The Platinum Martini Bar Sponsor will be revealing a featured martini on the first night of the celebration. Don’t forget drink tickets are cash only!
As for activities, there won’t be a shortage of things to do. There are some incredible interactive ice pieces that always draw a big crowd. This year, there is a brand-new interactive piece that is sure to become a fan favorite. Each year, the sponsored “ice hockey” table is a hit with attendees. There will also be several cornhole boards available. For all three nights, music will be provided by DJ John Gallagher. To close the celebration with a bang, there will be a sponsored fireworks show each night.
The annual Fire and Ice Celebration means so much to the crew that helps put it all together. They work hard to make sure every detail is perfect for the attendees. Bollman said, “We start planning in early fall. Seeing everything come together with so many guests supporting a great cause makes it a huge success for all our staff. The entire staff at the hotel plays some part in this event.” The hotel employees also work with staff and volunteers from CAP each night of the event.
While this event is meant to foster fun in a lively environment, there is a serious cause at its heart. I asked Morgan and Bollman to tell me a little bit about the charity the hotel works with. “The beneficiary of our event is CAP, Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County. CAP’s mission is to end child abuse in Chautauqua County. When abuse occurs, CAP coordinates a community response to bring healing, hope, and justice to these children and families. We have worked alongside the Executive Director, Beth Oakes, her staff, and volunteers since the inaugural event and appreciate their involvement” they told me. This amazing charity is always looking to do significant things for the community. Tickets are selling quickly. Individual tickets can be purchased for $30 at www.brownpapertickets.com.