By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local arts centre's largest event of the year is coming soon. 

From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on January 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 26, the Alton Mill Arts Centre will host its annual Fire and Ice Festival.

With the recent cold weather, things are looking good for weather-permitting activities like the super snow slide for kids and snõlykta (snow lantern) building.

The event will also feature ice carving, a photo competition, a “Lumberjack Lounge” with live author readings and music, an Ice Lounge with a view of Mill Pond, hot chocolate and smores, crafts, food trucks and more. 

At 6 p.m. on Saturday the festival's main event will go down: the burning of a fantastic fire sculpture. 

The Fire and Ice Festival is a pay-what-you-can event with all proceeds going to the local arts non-profit Headwaters Arts.

There will also be a ticketed comedy event and concert held at the festival, and tickets and more information can be found online at altonmill.ca.

Those interested in volunteering at the event, sponsoring it, or being a part of the artisan vendor marketplace can also visit the aforementioned link to learn more.