'Fire and Ice' livens up a chilly weekend

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

And the sixth annual Fire and Ice Festival event featured everything from free carriage rides…to chili tasting…to fire juggling. And that's not counting the Holiday DeLight Parade that brought out the biggest crowds that bundled up and lined up on the parade route.

One first-timer, Erin Penning, was having a few second thoughts about bringing her young kids. She said “it's cold-but that's all right because they're having fun.” Michelle Papakee admitted her kids had to talk her into making the trip downtown to watch Santa and all the lights parade on by.

“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 of every description and decoration crept down the parade routes with lights flashing and music playing. Organizers hoped to see perhaps eight to ten thousand people when you could both spectators and parade participants. Organizers said all that plus specials offered by downtown bars and restaurants was intended to give people the idea that coming downtown was fun.

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 plan is doing some good.

“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-last impact it sure was fun on a chilly evening.

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