BELFAST — Downtown Belfast was bustling Saturday afternoon, Feb. 27, as crowds braved the snow and rain to make their way to each of the freshly carved ice blocks scattered around town. 

The Ice Festival was held by Our Town Belfast and marks the first festival to take place since last March when the U.S. began locking down.

Beginning at noon, there were live ice carving demonstrations each hour until 4 p.m., with the first taking place at Post Office square. The next sculpture carved was at The Park on Main, followed by one on the west side of the footbridge. The last live sculpture was carved next to the ice bar set up by Rollie’s Bar and Grill from 3-4 p.m. 

Rollie’s and Delvino’s both had ice bars for revelers, with each featuring refreshments and seating. Rollie’s Ice Bar is located at 47 Main Street and open until 10 p.m. Delvino’s Ice Bar, which was surrounded by small, contained warming fires, was on the corner of Cross and Main Street. 

Belfast Fiberarts had a hot cocoa bar set up for those in need of a warmup. 

There are 11 ice sculptures, with one in each of the following locations: 

• Post Office Square - Main and Church Street 
• Corner of Maine and High Street
• 64 Main Street
• 47 Main Street
• Park on Main
• Corner of Front and Main Street
• Near the Harbor Master Shack
• Front Street Pub - 37 Front Street 
• Westside of the Footbridge 
• Dairy Queen - 23 Belmont Ave
• Bell the Cat - 15 Belmont Ave

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com