I have a secret to share. I hate winter.

Unlike the ice queen Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen,” the cold totally bothers me. I am not a fan of dressing in layers, I have at least one catastrophic fall on the ice each year, and I could do without snow starting on Dec. 26.

There is one exception, however. I very much enjoy the cold one weekend a year: during the Hunter Ice Festival.

This weekend, thousands will tread the streets of downtown Niles, a path I walk several times every day, passing the businesses operated by my friends and neighbors. Even more than in past years, many attending the ice festival will find businesses they have never frequented — and let me tell you, they are in for a treat.

In addition to the dozens of ice sculptures that will be placed downtown this weekend, guests will have the chance to make their own candles, taste a variety of chilis, play with interactive ice sculptures, learn about the city’s history and eat Hunter ice cream.

Out-of-towners and folks who do not spend a lot of time downtown will be excited to see the sheer amount of businesses open, the large variety of restaurants to choose from and the excellent work these people do all year long.

I encourage all who visit to keep in mind that Hunter Ice Festival weekend is the single busiest weekend of the year in downtown Niles — even more so than during the Apple Festival parade, which draws thousands to the city streets.

Please plan to wait longer for your meals, expect a crowd in our retail outlets and prepare to walk a couple of blocks from our city parking lots.

Don’t let the crowds deter you from stopping into our local bakery for a hot cup of coffee and a handmade pastry. Check out the new owners at Healthy Habits for a shake. Visit Anna and Elsa at The Grand LV and Oh My LLC. Enjoy adult beverages at The Brass Eye, Iron Shoe Distillery, The Nuggett or Front Street Pizza, or stop in to Apothica Teas, Brew Haha, Gabrizio or the Rage for a hot beverage to warm you up.

While you are at it, stop by our office for a donut and some coffee, to purchase some Girl Scout cookies, or for a heavily discounted subscription to any of our newspapers.

There is so much frozen fun in store, and I hope you all take advantage of this unique opportunity to view art made just for us in a downtown district that is growing every day.