Meltdown plans take shape

It can be rare for events that run on community donations and sponsorships to continue for 12 years, but volunteers have shown grit and creativity in keeping the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival from melting away.

Nationally honored carvers are scheduled to arrive the last week of January to shape 40,000 pounds of ice into works for the Jan. 30-31 event in downtown Richmond.

However, support from businesses and individuals are still needed to pay the 2026 festival’s bills before the 2027 event can be planned.

About $60,000 is needed for the large blocks of ice and paying the world-class carvers for a week of work and their travel costs.

Early investments have come from the Women’s Fund of the Wayne County Foundation, Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation, Indiana Arts Commission and the Community Foundation of Randolph County.

Donations of any amount are welcomed, and some come with perks. Families and friends can make a $100 gift to become a Frosty Friend. That promotion returns for the second year, offering contributors the opportunity to have their photo appear on the big screen during the festival’s main event, the Meltdown Throwdown ice carving contest, if they choose.

While the festival’s temperatures have been unpredictable — ranging from bitter cold to above freezing and possibly balmy for January — the show carries on. Meltdown volunteers and partner organizations plan a variety of complementary activities near the sculptures.

Most of the icy works of art will be located in Jack Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St., although a few might be spotted around town in areas such as the Historic Depot District that includes Fort Wayne Avenue and North E streets; the Winter Farmer’s Market at the Starr Gennett Building, 101 S. First St.; and Earlham College, 801 National Road W.

Official Meltdown events include Chili for Charity, Meet a Carver, the ice cream eating competition, and the main event, Meltdown Throwdown. Two teams of carvers will compete on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, carving up special sculptures with the clock ticking in hopes of winning the crowd’s support.

Melty the Moose will appear in local holiday parades before returning to make scheduled appearances at businesses and organizations around Wayne County before the festival.

On Jan. 31, the ice slide returns to the Family Fun Zone at Elstro Plaza, an interactive area with games made of ice.