If your experience with ice sculptures begins and ends with punchbowl swans at a wedding reception, you owe it to yourself to head to the Victorian town of Franklin in Venango County this weekend. This Saturday, February 6, in the city’s Fountain Park from 10 am to 4pm is the Franklin On Ice Festival.

This year’s theme is “Critters & Other Cool Stuff”, so I’m thinking there are going to be a lot of oversized sea turtles, ponies, chickens and the like. Add those sculptural subjects to the fact that the festival is free to attend, and, as you might guess, that this is a fantastically family friendly festival.
The family fun includes displays of local artists, magic shows, and discounted tours at the DeBence Antique Music World . Some of the sculptures are created before the eyes of the spectators creating an unlikely marriage of chainsaws and giant blocks of ice.

In addition to the festival, there’s a chili competition where the town’s eateries battle for the titles of chili king. The real treat however, is only available to locals or those who make it an overnight trip. First thing Sunday morning, the bright winter sun will slant through the ice sculptures creating a park full of multi-faceted reflected light.
For more details, and full schedule and some video of chainsaw action! Check out the festival’s website