Despite this weekend being Wayne County’s 12th Meltdown Winter Ice Festival, organizers continue arranging new attractions to attract crowds. This year, animal friends will join the event.
The volunteer-led Meltdown takes place in downtown Richmond from Thursday, Jan. 30, through Saturday, Feb. 1. Admission is free, although a few events require payment.
Live owls are expected to be in an igloo from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Jack Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St., Richmond. Animal Care Alliance is providing the native barred owls.
Volunteers also have secured an appearance by miniature horses from Cambridge City-based Brighter Path equine therapy program from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the plaza.
Professional ice carvers’ works are expected to be on display in the plaza and on downtown’s bookend corners. One sculpture will appear at the farmers market on Saturday morning at 101 S. First St.
Family friendly activities are planned on or near the plaza, and community partners are offering additional events throughout the weekend ranging from hot chocolate to crafting opportunities.
Richmond Urban Enterprise Association has organized a downtown window display contest, and votes will be accepted through Jan. 31 at richmonduea.com.
The Meltdown Throwdown finale pits two teams of carvers against each other during a timed competition on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. It ends with fireworks.
The weather will determine how soon the sculptures appear. If it’s cold, a few sculptures might be out as early as Wednesday, but they definitely will be visible Saturday. As of press time, daily high temperatures are predicted above the freezing mark.
Visitors are encouraged to stop in local eateries and businesses to get warm, browse, and sample foods throughout the weekend.
The festival costs about $60,000 each year to produce, and contributions of any amount help pay the bills. Gifts can be made through the “Donate Now” button at richmondmeltdown.com or mailed to Main Street Richmond, 818 E. Main St., Richmond, IN 47374.
Meltdown Winter Ice Festival
- When: Thursday, Jan. 30-Saturday, Feb. 1
- Where: Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St., Richmond, and at partner sites around the city
- Cost: Free to see ice sculptures and for most events; a few charge for admission
Highlights include:
Wednesday, Jan. 29
- Costume contest: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Paint the Towne, 411 N. Eighth St. Ages 12 and younger can show their finery from Disney’s “Frozen” in partnership with Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream. Melty the Moose will appear.
Thursday, Jan. 30
- Carver demonstration: 3:30-4:30 p.m. and craft workshop, 3:30-6 p.m., Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 N. Sixth St. All ages can create beaded pipe cleaner snowflakes, decorate paper cutouts of hot chocolate mugs and color Meltdown pages. Free.
- Snowy painting: 5:30 p.m., Paint the Towne, 411 N. Eighth St. Helping Young Professionals Engage event. $25 includes canvas, materials and instructions. Register at paintthetownerichmond.com
Friday, Jan. 31
- Interactive play zone: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St. Games made of ice. Photo opportunities. Free.
- Food trucks: 4-10 p.m., Elstro Plaza.
- Chili sampling: 5-7 p.m., Eight To The Bar, 931 E. Main St. Tickets $15/presale or $20/door provide samples from local restaurants. Family friendly contest benefits nonprofits. ChiliForCharity.eventbrite.com
- Bowling fundraiser: 6-8 p.m., Richmond 40 Bowl, 37 S. 37th St., Richmond. $25 adults, $20 ages 6-17; free for 5 and younger. Benefits HELP the Animals. Register at givebutter.com/pins4paws. 765-962-6811
- Frosty hike: 6:30 p.m., Cope Environmental Center, 1730 Airport Road, Centerville. Moderate-level guided view of winter trails. $5. Registration at visitcope.org
Saturday, Feb. 1
- Interactive play zone: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St. Games made of ice. Photo opportunities. Free.
- Indoor market: 9 a.m.-noon, 101 S. First St., Richmond. Free kids’ coloring contest, Melty the Moose appearance and ice carving on site. More than 30 local vendors offer handmade/homegrown products. Breakfast and live music. Free admission.
- Hot beverages: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hayes Arboretum Nature Center, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. Free hot chocolate or coffee. Bringing mug encouraged. Free reusable cups while supplies last. 765-962-3745
- Craft and cocoa: Noon-3 p.m., East Central Indiana RE Hub, 1700 N.W. Fifth St., Richmond. Make a bird feeder and sip hot chocolate. $5.
- Food trucks: Noon-10 p.m., Elstro Plaza.
- Ice science: 1-4 p.m., Joseph Moore Museum, Earlham College, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Discover Ice Age giants that roamed Indiana, see giant fossil skeletons. Activities and crafts. For all ages. Free. 765-983-1303
- Warming station: 2-7 p.m., RE/MAX At The Crossing, 33 N. Eighth St., Richmond. Free Marshmallow Showman craft and hot chocolate.
- Ice cream eating contest: 4 p.m., Elstro Plaza. Pre-selected teams of public employees will consume Ullery’s flavors.
- Hot chocolate booth: 7-9 p.m., Elstro Plaza. Offered by Helping Young Professionals Engage.
- Carving competition and fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Elstro Plaza.
A version of this article appeared in the January 29 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.