Fire and Ice heats up a chilly weekend

CEDAR RAPIDS - Thousands turned out on a chilly Saturday evening in Cedar Rapids to watch a colorful salute to wintertime fun.

The sixth annual Fire and Ice Festival featured everything from free carriage rides to chili tasting to fire juggling. And that's not counting the Holiday De-Light Parade that brought out the biggest crowds, who bundled up and lined the parade route.

One first-timer, Erin Penning, was having a few second thoughts about bringing her young kids.

'It's cold, but that's all right because they're having fun,' she said.

Michelle Papakee admit­ted her kids had to talk her into making the trip downtown to watch Santa and see all the lights.

'It's a little cold, but they wanted to do it. So we're excited to be here,' Papakee said.

Papakee's daughter, Kayle, admitted she was a little cold but said 'the candy makes up for it.' Dozens of floats and vehicles crept down the parade route with lights flashing and music playing. Organizers hoped to see perhaps 8,000 to 10,000 people, counting both spectators and parade participants.

Janet Wilhelm, executive director of the Freedom Festival and a co-host of the winter event said after six years, the event seems to be hitting its stride.

'I think it really works for families. They can come down and interact, eat a little, ride a little and watch a parade. What's more fun, you know,' Wilhelm said.

Shannon Ehrmann said he and his kids have attended every single Fire and Ice Festival in downtown Cedar Rapids. He thinks the yearly festival is going well.

'I think it does work, I think the more people we get down here it'll boost the businesses down here and let everybody know things are still kicking,' Ehrmann said.

Other spectators said even if the event doesn't have a big, long-lasting impact on downtown, it sure was fun on a chilly evening.

Parade Winners

The Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival named the winners of the 2010 Fire & Ice/ Holiday DeLight Parade: Walking Unit:

1st Place: Girl Scouts 2nd Place: Jocelyn Bleeker 3rd Place: Fix Solon Decorated Vehicle

1st Place: Cedar Boat Club 2nd Place: McGrath Auto Group 3rd Place: Family Support Group: Iowa National Guard Best Overall Float

1st Place: Isle of Iowa Parrothead Club 2nd Place: Czech Heritage Foundation 3rd Place: Heritage Nursing & Rehab Best Animal

1st Place: Camp Bow Wow 2nd Place: Elegant Excursions/Freedom Festival 3rd Place: Brucemore Best Use of Light

1st Place: City of Cedar Rapids Bicycle Advisory 2nd Place: Family Support Group-Iowa National Guard 3rd Place: 380 Companies