This year marks the 23rd annual Fire and Ice Festival, Plymouth’s celebration of all things winter, slated for February 4 at Parkers Lake Park. The event draws an average of 4,000 fun-loving attendees each year. With activities like snowshoeing, ice bowling and recycling bin racing, it’s easy to see why the event is so popular. “The best part is sipping hot chocolate while watching fireworks!” says Scott Anderson, IT manager for the city, who attends the event each year with his two sons. “My wife is a volunteer and works the entire event, so it’s a great time for the boys and I to bond, have fun and explore.”
If you’ve got a knack for finding hidden treasure, try your hand at the second-ever medallion hunt throughout—something the city hopes to make an annual tradition. “As a family who geocaches, we like treasure hunting in the different parks. This gives us another opportunity to solve puzzles and hunt treasure during the winter months,” Anderson says.
The hunt begins in January and was incorporated as part of the festival last year as a way for Plymouth residents to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. Weekly clues that’ll lead you right to the prize (which will be only half-hidden and never buried) are published in the Plymouth Sun Sailor and also available on the city’s recreation line. The lucky winner will be awarded with a cash prize at the festival.
With the additions like the medallion hunt and a performance by the American Indian dance troupe last year, it’ll be hard to top the festivities in 2012. Travis Karlen, recreation supervisor, says they have some exciting things in the works: hay rides, ice fishing, a goofy hat contest and more.
