Ice-A-Fair returns Sat.

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — Now in its 17th year, Main Street Vermilion will host its annual Ice-A-Fair on Saturday, bringing ice sculptures, live demonstrations and family activities to downtown Vermilion. Activities begin at 11 a.m. across downtown Vermilion and will feature ice sculptures, created by Elegant Ice Creations, along with scheduled carving demonstrations at several locations. "Ice-A-Fair brings our community together to celebrate winter in the heart of downtown Vermilion," said Kate Repola, executive director of Main Street Vermilion. "Each year, our small town on a great lake transforms into a lively destination filled with ice sculptures, local businesses and family-friendly fun." Here's a rundown of some more notable events throughout the day: 9:30 a.m. to noon • Before Ice-A-Fair officially begins, the Ritter Public Library will host its annual Chocolate Fest at the library, 5680 Liberty Ave. (U.S. 6). The event is a fundraiser where visitors buy tickets and trade them for sample-size chocolate treats made by community bakers. Proceeds support the library's friends group. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • The Welcome and Information Center — at Main Street Vermilion's offices, 685 Main St. — will be open with schedules, raffles and drawings. Free kids train rides will also depart from this site. Throughout the day • People can check out ice sculptures and carving demonstrations. • Families can visit the frozen play space at the corner of Grand Street and Liberty Avenue, featuring an ice slide, a frozen brontosaurus and games. • Character visits with Pete the Penguin and Jolly the Snowman are also planned. • There will be hot chocolate stops. Free hot chocolate will be available at Friendship Park, provided by Kingston of Vermilion, and at Exchange Park, provided by the Kiwanis Club of Vermilion. 6 p.m. • The day concludes at 6 p.m. at Exchange Park with the Fire & Ice finale in which a carved "chimney" of ice is set to music as a fire burns inside and the sculpture melts. Other notes • Parking is available throughout downtown — including public areas near Victory Park, Main Street Beach and the library — but it can be limited during peak hours. Arriving early and planning for a short walk is recommended. • More information and schedule updates are available at mainstreetvermilion.org and through Main Street Vermilion's Facebook and Instagram pages.