Ice-carving masters Buddy Rasmussen and Reverend Butter are returning to Niles this week for the ninth annual Hunter Ice Festival.
The world-class Texas carvers will perform during the festival’s famous ice fights Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights along with returning carvers Andrew Thistlethwaite and Danny Bloss. Newcomer Dean Demarias comes from Texas.
In addition to the ice fights, activities for people of all ages will take place throughout the weekend in downtown Niles.
The festival attracts thousands of people each year with an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 attending last year’s event.
New this year is an ice track for remote control cars.

Friday
All day: Tickets on sale for the Rotary-sponsored Ice Hotel Trip Raffle throughout town, $25
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Ice carving/harvesting exhibit at Niles District Library, 517 E. Main St.
5 to 7 p.m.: YMCA-sponsored Warming Center, 127 E. Main St., including the Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities
5 to 8 p.m.: Hunter Ice Cream Booth on the south side of Main between Front and 2nd streets
7 p.m.: Sponsored sculptures placed throughout downtown
7:30 p.m. (approximate time): “Ice Fights” at amphitheater at Riverfront Park
8:30 p.m.: The Bryan Edington Band plays at Riverfront Cafe. No cover charge.
All day: Rotary Club of Niles-Buchanan- sponsored Interactive Ice Park on Main near Front Street.

Saturday
All day: Tickets on sale for the Rotary sponsored Ice Hotel Trip Raffle  throughout town, $25
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Niles Service League Pancake Breakfast at The Bell Building at  4th and Sycamore streets, $5
9 a.m.: Frigid 5K Run with registration at Cycle & Fitness, 211 E. Main St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Ice Carving/Harvesting Exhibit at Niles District Library, 517 E. Main St.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: YMCA-sponsored Warming Center, 127 E. Main St., including the Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Hunter Ice Cream Booth, south side of Main between Front and 2nd streets
Noon to 3 p.m.: Pizza Transit Free Face Painting at Pizza Transit
Noon to 3 p.m.: Chemical Bank, 407 E. Main St., will be open as a warming station with free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. Dream Coach Carriage will provide free sleigh rides to the first 75 people to pick up a coupon at one of its Niles branches: 407 Main St. branch or 1835 S. 11th St. Coupons will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Noon to 4 p.m.: Children’s Activities at south side of Amphitheater
1 to 3 p.m.: Pregnancy Care Center of Niles third annual BabyCakes Cupcake Contest/Fundraiser, 404 E Main St.
1 to 3 p.m.: Wine tasting at Massimo’s, 20 East Main St.
5 to 8 p.m.: Live music at Pizza Transit with Hey Annie
5 p.m.: “Chillin’ Ice Bar” at Massimo’s under the tent at Front and Main streets
7 p.m.: Four Flags Players – Murder Mystery Dinner – Queen Anne Room, 404 E. Main Street
7:30 p.m. (approximate): “Ice Fights” at Amphitheater at Riverfront Park
8:30 p.m.: Darryl Buchanan and the Reflections play Motown at Riverfront Cafe.
All day: Rotary Club of Niles-Buchanan-sponsored Interactive Ice Park on Main near Front Street

Sunday
Until 5 p.m.: Tickets on sale for the Rotary-sponsored Ice Hotel Trip Raffle  throughout town, $25
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: YMCA-sponsored Warming Center, 127 East Main St ., with Psi Iota Xi Family Craft Activities
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Hunter Ice Cream Booth on the south side of Main between Front and 2nd streets
Noon to 3 p.m.: Children’s Activities at south side of Amphitheater
Noon to 3 p.m.: “Chili Crawl” – Chili Cook-off. Tickets available at Warming Center and Hunter Ice Cream Booth
4 p.m.: “People’s Choice” Awards for five corner sculptures and Chili Cook-Off Awards
5 p.m.: Drawing for Ice Hotel Trip Raffle, 127 East Main St. warming center
All Day: Rotary Club of Niles-Buchanan-sponsored Interactive Ice Park on Main near Front Street

Monday
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Hunter Ice Cream Booth, south side of Main between Front and 2nd streets