KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Mark Rebillard of the Keene Downtown Group was the guest on Wednesday’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio, offering listeners a detailed preview of this weekend’s 23rd annual Ice & Snow Festival and what to expect when downtown Keene transforms into a hub of winter activity.

During the interview, Rebillard outlined how professional ice carvers will set up throughout downtown beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, each working with two 600-pound blocks of ice. Visitors arriving early will be able to watch the carving process unfold in real time, with finished sculptures illuminated on lighted pedestals later in the afternoon.

“As it gets toward dusk, the sculptures really start to glow,” Rebillard told Mitchell. “It’s one of the most spectacular parts of the day.”

Rebillard emphasized that the festival is intentionally designed to be free and family-friendly, while also encouraging visitors to support local restaurants and businesses rather than relying on food trucks. Ice carvers will be positioned along Main Street and nearby areas, with more than 20 additional activities spread throughout downtown.

Among the highlights discussed on the program were horse-drawn rides, a children’s train, campfire s’mores at Railroad Square, face painting, balloon art, sugar-on-snow made with local maple syrup, live bird and mammal exhibits, a caterpillar lab with microscopes, and an airport snowplow “touch-a-truck” experience.

New and returning attractions include a roaming circus performer on stilts, music and karaoke near Central Square, and a hands-on ice curling experience set up downtown using equipment provided by the Pembroke Curling Club. Participants who successfully hit curling targets will be eligible for small prizes donated by local businesses.

Rebillard also highlighted a downtown scavenger hunt involving hidden stuffed yetis in more than two dozen participating shops. Visitors who find enough yetis can redeem them for a prize donated by local merchants.

The ice sculptures will remain on display into Saturday night and Sunday morning, allowing people to enjoy them while dining downtown or returning the next day. Information booths at Railroad Square and Central Square will provide maps, schedules and ballots for the People’s Choice ice sculpture award.

Parking will be available in downtown garages and lots, with additional overflow parking offered at the M&T Bank lot on School Street. Rebillard encouraged attendees to dress warmly, plan ahead and expect to spend much of the day downtown.

The Ice & Snow Festival is organized by the Keene Downtown Group with support from local sponsors, volunteers and businesses.

Listen to the full interview: