2024 Festival of Ice
Welcome to the 27th Annual Festival of Ice! This year’s theme, “Christmas Around the World,” invites you to experience the magic of global holiday traditions. As you enjoy the artistry, atmosphere, and spirit of unity that make this event so special. Thank you for celebrating with us and may your holiday season be bright and joyful!
New this year
Enjoy and shop 60+ vendors at TWO holiday market locations, one at the Juniata Valley Bank parking lot and the other beside the Altiery Gingerich Insurance Agency, plus plenty of food trucks, community vendors, kids’ activities, pony rides, wagon rides, live nativity, live music, dance performances and more spread around the rest of the festival grounds.
Follow the Star, a World Nativities Exhibition
The “Follow the Star, a World Nativities Exhibition” will present Nativity sets collected from around the world in the rear vestibule of St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Main Street, Lewistown from 5-9 p.m., both evenings of the festival. The exhibition will show how artists have adapted the Nativity scene to represent their own spiritual and cultural heritage. Many of the Nativities will be shared from the personal collections of local community members.
holiday word scramble
Join the fun during the Festival of Ice with our “Holiday Word Scramble” scavenger hunt! letter displayed in each window. Collect all the letters as you make your way through out, submit your answer for a chance to win exciting prizes from local businesses! Entry forms will be available on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse. The contest runs from Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8. Completed forms must be returned to the mailbox on the porch of the Historic Courthouse by Monday at 9 a.m.
Royal Crazy Parade
The festival’s theme will be evident in more than just the ice sculptures. The Crazy Parade is taking on a royal tone. This unusual kick off to the annual event is usually crazy enough, but this year it’s taking a cue from England’s love of all things royal. The Royal Crazy Parade will start at 6 p.m. sharp from Lewistown Borough Hall on Third Street. Costumes are always encouraged and this year the option of crowns, fancy hats, and fascinators are also a possibility. Miss Central Pennsylvania Abby Traxler, Little Miss Reedsville Samara Kauffman and Mrs. Pennsylvania America Ashley Stremme will be leading the parade.
Christmas Around the World 2024
Friday, December 6
5-9 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum will be open for tours
5-9 p.m.- Follow the Star, a World Nativities Exhibition, at St. John’s Lutheran Church
6 p.m. – The Boyz will start singing Christmas songs from the front steps of the Historic Courthouse and then walk around the festival grounds singing carols.
6 p.m.- Studio 32 School of Dance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, S. Main & Water Streets
6-7 p.m.- The Trillergy Flute Trio from the Lewistown Community Band perform at the McCoy House Museum
6-8 p.m.- Wagon rides begin at the west end of Monument Square. Hosted by Calvary Church of Lewistown
6-8 p.m.- Tim and Duane Show perform at East End Coffee Co.
6-9 p.m.- Visit with Santa beside Altiery Gingerich Insurance Agency
6-9 p.m.- Pony rides for the kids at the west end of Market Street
6-9 p.m.
the Historic Courthouse.
6-9 p.m.– Vote with donation for your favorite gingerbread house at Faith’s House of Hope gingerbread house contest (Square One Clubhouse).
6-9 p.m.- Join Zumba with Geovy to learn some of the cultural dances from around the world.
6:30-8:30 p.m.- Live music at the Live Nativity
7 p.m.-Juniata County 4-H Square Dancers, perform on N. Main St., beside the Historic Courthouse
7 p.m.- Studio 32 School of Dance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, S. Main & Water Streets
7:15p.m.- Unusual Suspects will perform in the courtroom in the Historic Courthouse
“A local tradition for nearly 80 years” Wishing you and yours a Wonderful & Blessed Holiday Season We have several in-house artisans making gift items, and holiday decor. Stop in and browse our unique giftware, and holiday decor.
Festival of Ice 2023
Entertainment Schedule:
Thursday, December 5
All Day- The Merry Mannequins will be on display in downtown business windows and inside the Historic Courthouse All Day- The Holiday Word Scramble is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse
4-8 p.m.- Make a pottery Christmas tree at Hometown Potters’ Studio
5-9 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square
5-9 p.m.– Holiday Markets in the parking lots are open.
5-9 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum will be open for tours
5-9 p.m.- Follow the Star, a World Nativities Exhibition, at St. John’s Lutheran Church
5:45 p.m.- Geisinger Hospice tree lighting ceremony on Monument Square
6 p.m. SHARP! – The Crazy Parade kicks off from the Lewistown Borough Building, North Main & Third Streets
6 & 8 p.m. – 2 performances by the Lewistown Community Band in the courtroom in the Historic Courthouse
6-9 p.m.- Visit with Santa beside Altiery Gingerich Insurance Agency
6-9 p.m.- Pony rides for the kids at the west end of Market Street
6-9 p.m.
6-9 p.m.– Vote with donation for your favorite gingerbread house at Faith’s House of Hope gingerbread house contest (Square One Clubhouse)
6-9 p.m.- Join Zumba with Geovy to learn some of the cultural dances from around the world.
Lewistown Community Band 2023
Thursday, December 5
6:15 p.m.- Sacred Heart School choir performance on the steps of the Historic Courthouse
6:30-8 p.m. – Wagon rides begin at the west end of Monument Square. Hosted by Calvary Church of Lewistown
6:30-8:30 p.m.- Live music at the Live Nativity
7-8 p.m.- The Nittany Knights perform at East End Coffee Co.
7-8 p.m.- The Whistle Tones perform at the McCoy House Museum
7:05 p.m. – Miss Stephanie’s School of Dance perform on North Main Street beside the Historic Courthouse
7:40 p.m.
8:00 p.m.- The Lewistown Community Band performs again in the courtroom in the Historic Courthouse
Friday, December 6
All Day- The Merry Mannequins will be on display in downtown business windows and inside the Historic Courthouse.
All Day- The Holiday Word Scramble is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse
All Day- Make a pottery Christmas tree at Hometown Potters’ Studio
11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Battle of the Morning Shows! Drive to Monument Square and hand a donation to your favorite radio
5 p.m.- Blue Juniata Foodways will be serving traditional Ukrainian Holubsti by Oksana DeArment at The Crooked Shelf Bookshop. While supplies last.
5-7 p.m.- A free record-themed Christmas photo op will be set up at Cinema Records.
5-9 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square
5-9 p.m.– Holiday Markets in the parking lots are open.
120 Logan Street, Lewistown PA • 47 Carriage House Lane, Reedsville, PA
717-248-5486 • kingbarrfuneralhome@yahoo.com Serving Central PA
Saturday, December 7
All Day- The Holiday Word Scramble is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick up your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse
7 a.m.-1 p.m.
10:15 a.m.- Rise of the Guardians movie at Miller Cinema 6. Free admission with a canned good donation.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum is open for tours
12-4 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square
1 p.m.- Lewistown Kiwanis Christmas Parade in downtown Lewistown
Dusk- Shining Light Through the Darkness opens for the season at Kish Park
sunday, December 8
All Day- The Holiday Word Scramble is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick up your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse
1-3 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum is open for tours
1-3 p.m.- The Hoopes School is open for tours
1-4 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square
3:00 p.m.- Lewistown Community Choir Concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church
Dusk- Shining Light Through the Darkness now open for the holiday season at Kish Park
Vendors at the Festival:
Food & Beverage vendors
Buckeye Chocolate, Sam the Hot Dog Man, Sinister Donuts, Midlife Crisis, Twisted Egg Roll, Naughty Nutz, Curbside Kitchen, Solid Gold Concessions, Britt Rae’s Tacos, Simply Bowls, Meadows Kettle Corn, Hawstone Hollow Winery, Burnt Timbers Winery, Valley Kettle Corn, and Hazard’s Distillery.
More Food & Beverage
The Square Café & Bakery, East End Coffee Co., Downtown OIP & Grille, The Nook, and Monument Square Deli.
Artisan Makers, & Retail vendors
Scents Candle Co., Carving Anarchy, Designs by Deb, Brubaker’s Custom Crafts, Walnut Ridge Designs, Revved Up Apparel Co., StarrBird Acres, Bay’s Wax, Cute Creations by Jordan, The Playful Pup Barkery, Ritters Custom Crafts, Sue’s Wreaths, Leather, Bone, & Blade, Dawn’s Daydreams,
Laser Engraving, Louise Lee Boutique, Beth’s Krafts, Breezy Hollow Bees, Glazed & Confused, GS Jewelry, Lularoe, The August Afterglow Shop, Gabiimade, Krit & Co, Crystal Haze, Berry Natural, The Crafty Unicorn, ClaybyCait, Allycats Country Store, Crooked Wood Studios, Detweiler Customs, CH Custom Designs, Snuggles & Snouts, Enchanted 3D, Stone Creek Farms, Rebel Stitch,., and Kelley’s Bargain Box.
Photo courtesy of Bu e Boyer
Festival of Ice 2023
Other Shopping Opportunities
The Paisley Bride, Cinema Records, The Willow Workbench, Moon Dragon, Kathy’s Korner, Lemon & Lime Craft Co., D&E Toys and Collectibles, Hometown Potters’ Studio, The Crooked Shelf Bookshop, Lost Art Studio and Vintage, and Essence of Earth.
Local Organization vendors
Primary Health Network, Zumba with Geovy, Wishes from Waylon, Pine Glen CMA, T.I.U., New Life Church, Dream Center TSA, Krise Transportation, Paintersville CMA Church, Lake Dealerships, Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, Academy of Science and Technology, Celebration Villa, Faith’s House of Hope, Lewistown VFW, Two Brothers Bicycle Co., and Geisinger.
Entertainment Highlights:
Merry Mannequins
The Merry Mannequins have been appearing in the windows of downtown businesses for the last few years as a new creative canvas for making holiday décor with a fashion twist. As every year, designers amaze the community with their ensembles inspired by glamorous or traditional designs, but this year’s mannequins will don the garments of faraway lands.
Mannequin designers for this year include Lemon & Lime Craft Co., Scott Moser, Rhonda Kelley, Nancy Aurand, Deb Bargo, Juniata Valley Bank, Sandra Knapik, Lisa Knudson, Morgan Messerman, Art, Jenny Landis, and Sacred Heart/Ashley Henry.
For mannequin locations, visit jrvvisitors.com/festival-of-ice.
Gingerbread House Competition
Faith’s House of Hope is hosting its 5th annual Gingerbread House Competition this year. They collect gingerbread houses from individuals, families, and organizations during the month of November. The gingerbread houses will then be on display at 8 E. Market St., Suite A (Square One Clubhouse) during both nights of the festival. This is when community members can stop by to vote for their favorite gingerbread house.
Votes may be submitted in-person and through the Faith’s House of Hope Facebook page. Winners will be determined by popular vote and announced on its Facebook page. All proceeds will be donated to Primary Health Network’s Dental Clinic in memory of Faith Bollinger.
The PHN Dental Van will also be on site during the festival.
Merry Mannequin 2023
Gingerbread Competition 2023