Discover Easton Director’s Report

February 2020- During the summer of 2018 we sat in our office and tasked ourselves with developing an event that would bring locals and visitors together downtown during the winter season while also supporting our small businesses. 18 months later, that event is coming to fruition this weekend with the inaugural Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival.

What started as an event for the Mid-Shore has quickly grown, and we feel so fortunate to have the support from our business community to premiere an event that will have over 40 sculptures, live carvings, a skating rink, Family Fun Center, music, and more in Easton’s downtown. Like any event, we will adapt and change as necessary over the years, but we are so excited to kick off the first year with a bang this Valentine’s Day weekend.

A few notes to know for our business community:
-Street Closures: the only street closures will be on Friday evening. N. Washington Street will be closed from 3 pm – 10 pm between Dover and Federal Sts., and Dover St. will be closed from 5 pm – 10 pm between Harrison and Washington Sts., both for our Ice Block Kick Off Party. All streets remain open Saturday and Sunday.
-Parking: most street parking will remain accessible throughout the weekend, though some parking will be blocked for safety and for sculpture access. All lots will remain open except for one of the lots across from town hall on Harrison St. where the ice rink will be.
-Ice Sculptures: Sculptures will look their best Friday night and Saturday morning. We will be putting out 10 additional sculptures Saturday morning to make sure day-trippers on Saturday still see many in their best state.
Live Carvings: live carvings will take place on Friday night from 4 pm – 9 pm in Thompson Park and on Saturday at 10 am (Waterfowl Bldg.), 11 am (Courthouse lawn), 1 pm (Thompson Park).
-Maps: Downtown businesses will receive maps to give out to visitors Wednesday and Thursday.
-Friday Night: We greatly encourage our downtown businesses to stay open Friday evening to benefit from the self-guided walking tour of downtown sculptures and the Friday night Ice Block party. The kick-off, along with Valentine’s Day evening should bring many people to downtown.

We thank you in advance for a wonderful weekend here in Easton.