Fête de Glacé in downtown St. Charles is snow much fun! Ice carvers use chainsaws, chisels, grinders, and other tools to turn a plain block of ice into a stunning masterpiece right on Main Street. It’s such an amazing transition that you’ll think they used magic, too. Fête de Glacé is held on the last Saturday of January from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on the 100 and 200 blocks of Historic North Main Street.
The competition has two categories: single-block carving and five-block team carving. While it is a competition, there aren’t official judges. Only the public can vote for a winner. “The audience gets very involved,” said Rose Wells, co-organizer of Fête de Glacé. “Everyone can vote, no matter their age. We really encourage everyone to participate.” In previous years, the winning single-block carving team carved an angel fish and the winning five-block team carved a hydra dragon.
Time is of the essence in ice carving, so it is recommended that visitors stay until the end to see the finished sculptures. It’s worth the wait, carvers only have a few hours to complete their ice sculptures. Visitors can shop on Main Street and eat at local restaurants as the masterpieces are created. “It’s such a good, positive atmosphere because everyone’s happy to be together again after being cooped up since the holidays,” said April Moxley, co-organizer of Fête de Glacé, “Everyone watches the carvings evolve in awe.” Visitors are also encouraged to warm up at the City of St. Charles’ Bowls and Brews event on North Main Street. Local restaurants line the street with samples of their chili and brews for visitors to try. Remember to vote for your favorite!
Cold winter days can be bothersome, but it’s great for ice carvers who don’t want their ice to melt. In fact, the colder it is, the more detailed the carvers work is. Embrace sweater weather and enjoy the experience of watching the carvers’ ideas come to life at Fête de Glacé.
“Ice carving is somewhat of a lost art,” said Wells. “We feel lucky to have talented, supportive carvers who come out and participate each year.”