February 4, 2026
Attendees
Brooke Pratt, Jeremy Holgate, Anne Armezzani, Milena DelVecchio, Tara Atkins , Jessica Colvin, Noreen Thomas, Gabbie Fasciana, Eloise Butovich, and Heather Percival
Festival Weekend Recap
Jeremy reported that the Saturday train ride and taco truck were successful and well attended.
The Board discussed the low turnout for Friday evening’s parade, likely due to inclement weather. Jeremy suggested moving the parade to Saturday at noon in future years. There was also discussion regarding the first setting of the ice ceremony.
The possibility of hosting the train ride for two days in Citizen’s parking lot was discussed.
Jeremy and Eloise suggested expanding Sunday programming and increasing video coverage of activities throughout the weekend. Eloise also recommended incorporating more indoor activities.
Business Feedback
Eloise reported that Café 27 was remarkably busy throughout the entire Ice Festival weekend. She also visited Echo and noted the restaurant was very busy as well. Moving forward, the Board agreed that new businesses in town should be encouraged to ramp up staffing for Ice Festival weekend.
Brooke mentioned the Montrose Christmas Festival as a potential resource for suggestions and best practices from their organizing team.
Ice Works & Live Carving Issues
The Board discussed multiple issues with Ice Works, including:
Delays in Friday’s sculpture deliveries
Inability to place signage at sculptures due to late arrival
Tardiness of live carvings at Jennings-Calvey, Fidelity Bank, and MetLife
Our Lady of Snows carving not beginning until 6:45 PM on Saturday
Grants & Funding
Gail applied for the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Grant in November 2025.
The Board also discussed additional grant opportunities through the Scranton Area Foundation, which currently has grant listings available and is hosting an informational meeting.
Sunday Layout & Logistics
Discussion included:
Placement of tables and tents for restaurants and fire companies
Improving layout for heaters and the fire pit
Continuing to use Citizen’s parking lot for the carving competition moving forward
Assigning one designated point person for each event throughout the weekend
Planning & Promotion
The Board reviewed the following:
Twenty-nine sculptures were sold by October
The need to begin planning and advertising earlier in the year
Ensuring sculpture designs are confirmed in advance
Clarifying sculpture details to avoid confusion among recipients
Previous Ice Festival themes were reviewed, including:
Jurassic Ice
Frozen Wilderness
Star Wars
Harry Potter
Hometown Heroes
