KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The city’s annual Ice and Snow Festival is set to bring a flurry of winter excitement to downtown Keene this Saturday, Feb. 1. Organized by the Keene Downtown Group, the festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a full day of ice carving, family-friendly activities, and seasonal treats.

Mark Rebillard, chairman of the Keene Downtown Group and lead organizer of the event, highlighted the festival’s signature ice sculpting competition in an interview with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio this morning. Twelve skilled carvers from around the region will each work with 600 pounds of ice, using chisels, chainsaws, and blow torches to create dazzling sculptures. The sculptures, illuminated by powerful 1,000-watt LED bulbs, must be completed by 2 p.m. and will be judged by both the public and professional judges.

Ideal festival conditions include below-freezing temperatures, ensuring the sculptures remain intact. Warmer weather, however, poses a challenge, as the delicate carvings risk melting or collapsing before the competition ends.

Beyond the ice carving spectacle, the festival offers a variety of free attractions. Families can enjoy a children’s train ride, circus arts performances, and free cartoons at the Colonial Theater. Pony rides and a designated snowboarding and skiing area at Green Mountain Park add to the winter fun. Attendees can also indulge in seasonal treats such as campfire s’mores, sugar on snow, and offerings from local food trucks.

The festival spans several locations in downtown Keene, with ice sculptures displayed in Central Square, along Main Street, and in Railroad Square. Church Street will host a winter village market, featuring local crafts and vendors.

For those eager to explore, the “Find the Yeti” scavenger hunt invites participants to search for hidden Yeti figures inside local businesses, with prizes awarded to winners. Indoor activity centers at UCC Keene and Elm City Church will provide warming stations, bathrooms, and additional games and entertainment.

The Keene Ice and Snow Festival is a free, community-driven event supported by local businesses and organizations. Festival-goers can park in the M&T Bank lot after noon. More details can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Listen to the full interview: