Downtown Frederick sidewalks were busy Saturday night — shops, restaurants and walkways were crowded with adults, children and dogs enjoying the snowfall while they viewed 40 different ice sculptures.
The creations ranged from birds and business logos to a purse and a chair. The snowy, cold weather kept the sculptures intact and most were lighted to enhance the artistic designs.
On South Market Street, “Charity’s Twin” sat smiling as passers-by admired the dog sculpture. Beverly Sharrer, executive director of Federated Charities, was at the site giving out Valentine candy. The original Charity is an iron dog in front of the building, though the “twin” didn’t look too much like the historic canine.
At Bushwaller’s, owner Amber DeMorett was making sure the sculpture in front of the restaurant was being displayed well.
The artistic piece was a pot of gold, with the coins going into it at the end of a rainbow.
“Last year we had a leprechaun,” DeMorett said.
The large Louis Vuitton-style purse drew customers into Chic to Chic, where manager Brittany Carpenter and employee Sarah Didion were showing customers the real handbags.
“Last year we had a dog,” Carpenter said, “and it just wasn’t unique,” to the shop.
“The year before we had a handbag and so we went with it again,” Carpenter said.
At Classic Cigars and British Goodies, owner Joe Cohen had an ice-sculpture Indian, a companion to the wooden chief that has been with his store for many years.
The ice Indian even had a real cigar in its mouth, which some people tried unsuccessfully to light.
With all the hustle and bustle, those who wanted to meditate could go to Two Paws Up. The pet supply store featured the Barking Buddha, a contemplative canine outside the shop’s door.
The sculptures were part of the monthly First Saturday events in downtown Frederick, which have a different theme each time. Along with the sculptures were marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa and the stores open until 9 p.m.
For details on the monthly events, go to downtownfrederick.org.
