Ice Festival – Central Park

This was not so much an ice festival as it was a food truck park. There were more food trucks on site than actual ice sculptures. Three sculptures were present: the number 35 to represent the 35^th anniversary of the park conservancy, a snowflake, and the one still in progress for all to see– the couple kissing.
With the exception of the kissing couple, there was a real lack of imagination. Last year, I attended an ice sculpture display by the same artist, Shintaro Okamoto, at Brookfield Place. That was a clearer demonstration of skill and there were many more sculptures available, including angel wings, dogs, frames for photo ops, delicate flowers frozen within ice, and more. Those sculptures were also easily accessible, and on ground level.
When I arrived at 4 pm, the staff was still carving out the details of the couple on stage– the forms had already been completed. Other than surrounding the 3 sculptures for photo ops, there wasn’t much to do. There were only a few tables set up for people to have a hot beverage or eat. Besides that, there was an announcer who was quizzing people about the history of Central Park. Right or wrong, he still gave away prizes which was a nice gesture.
At 5 pm, the silent disco started, but I didn’t partake. We were already so cold that we couldn’t bear to be out in the open any longer, let alone eat outdoors. After walking over to my favorite sushi joint on the West side, our ‘hangry’ looks disappeared.
Based on the time it took to trek to the 72^nd st station, a whopping 2.5 hrs, because the MTA is an enemy of love, the frigidity of that day with only 3 available porta-​potties, and the quality of work presented (a decapitation does not garner high marks), this event scored really low on my ‘artsy fartsy’ scale.

I had such a great time! The ice sculpture festival started at 3pm, and the best part was that it was FREE to the public!!! My bestie and I ventured over here since our fiancées were unavailable due to work and being out of state. Thank god we dressed warmly, because it was snowing and oh so incredibly frigid. There was food trucks serving grilled cheese, Waffles and chocolates, and Greek food for the hearty. My bestie opted on the grilled cheese combo that came with tomato soup. She was not a fan. She felt that it was a can of Campbell’s heated up with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Any Who we took multiple pictures of the ice sculpture. It turned out to be a man and a women kissing, perfect for todays occasion of love.:) Unfortunately one of the saws cut too deep and the women’s head snapped off:(In unison the crowd made a sad sound. It’s ok. That kind of skill and expertise is impressive to carve that out of ice. In other words I would attend again:) Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!!