Held in downtown Mount Holly, the Fire and Ice Festival takes place annually in January. The festival mixes the opposites of hot and cold in a variety of activities, including a hot chili cook-off and cold ice-carving contests.
Over 30 years ago, Audrey Winzinger and her friends thought of the idea to display ice craving for public viewing. For Winzinger, ice carving was a unique skill that fascinated herself and others. To go along with the cold temperatures needed to create these icy pieces of artwork, Winzinger believed spectators needed something warm to eat. Winzinger, being also a fan of chili-cooking competitions, decided to combine these two ideas to create the Fire and Ice Festival in Mount Holly. This temperature-clashing event turned into a success, drawing hundreds of people. Being a large, public outdoor event though, not every year was easy. The festival survived a couple of difficult years due to COVID and weather. However, the Fire and Ice Festival bounced back each time and continues thrive today.
For the warmer side of the temperature spectrum, chefs cook and prepare samples of their secret chili recipes for judging. Some of the prizes available in the past included the Prized for Best Chili, the Prize for Most Creative Presentation, and the People’s Choice Award. The most coveted prize is for the Best Chili which includes the largest prize money. The Prize for Most Creative Presentation and the People’s Choice Award are honorable mentions with a smaller cash prize. The completers in the chili contest have good spirits and pride in their creations. This year, winner for Best Chili was Gaetano’s Steaks and Subs of Mount Laurel, who also won this year’s People’s Choice Award. The winner of the best presentation was won by Mount Holly’s local restaurant, The Robin’s Nest. One of the staples of the festival, chili admirers from far and wide come to enjoy the variety of creations.
For the colder side of the temperature spectrum, along High Street, ice carvers from around the region show off their skills while carving live in front of a live audience. The carvers are given 300lb ice blocks, and using various tools, like rotary tools and chainsaws, turn the ice into unique works of art. In the past, carvers competed amongst each other. Nowadays, there is no judging the sculptures, carvers of various skill levels come just make creations for the fun of it. The various ice carving locations each draw crowds, admiring the crafting of the ice into a variety of objects, from everyday objects to cartoon characters.
Besides the Chili and Ice carvers, the festival features a variety of shopping, entertainment, and food. Beyond the open brick and mortar stores open along High Street, numerous vendors set up selling handmade jewelry, cloths, candles, décor and more. Some of the most popular items being sold included wood-working wall décor and handmade bracelets. As for food, many popular vendors like Chick-fli-A and Dunkin’ Donuts are set up. In addition, more unique food options include a chowder tent, seafood truck, and a Latin food truck. There is also a variety of other activities and entertainment. As live music fills the street, people can participate in ax throwing, firetruck rides, petting zoo and sled dogs. In addition, people can watch an aerial fire performance. In between watching carvers and tasting chili, visitors have a variety of activities, friendly for all ages.
The Fire and Ice Festival has something for everyone. During the cold winter months, the festival provides many locals a great opportunity to get outside to see historic Mount Holly. Drawing the community and surround area together, this great blend of opposites, the Fire and Ice Festival is worth checking out in the coming years.
Resources
Cantele, Andi Marie and Mitch Kaplan. Explorer’s Guide New Jersey. Woodstock, VT: The Countryman Press, 2010. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Explorer_s_Guide_New_Jersey_Second_Editi/7AVyH1v_5AcC?hl=en&gbpv=1
“Fire & Ice Festival.” Visit NJ. Accessed January 27, 2023. https://visitnj.org/nj-events/fire-ice-festival
“Fire & Ice Festival 2024.” Fire & Ice Festival Website. Accessed January 27, 2023. https://fireandicefestival.com/
Iadonisi, Matteo. “Ice Sculptures and Chili Dishes Impress at NJ Festival.” 6 abc Action News. Published January 28, 2023. https://6abc.com/fire-and-ice-festival-mount-holly-new-jersey-carving/12745854/
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