Ligonier businesses welcome 30th annual Ice Fest

The 30th annual Ligonier Ice Fest was a happy occasion for business owners who have seen many of the borough’s other signature events canceled or curtailed due to the coronavirus, but this weekend’s rare live event attracted people to see dozens of ice sculptures, ride a horse-drawn carriage and pop into the many small shops around the Diamond.

“It’s good for the businesses in Ligonier because they’ve been struggling, and it’s been rough,” said Shannon Ramsey, manager of O’Sheas Ligonier Sweet Shop.

The bell above the sweet shop door jingling almost constantly Saturday as customers stopped in to get a treat while viewing the 84 ice sculptures placed around the Diamond and adjoining streets.

A busy holiday season and events like the ice festival are giving businesses hope that things could soon return to normal, Ramsey said.

“Lately we’ve been getting back on our feet. It’s been busy,” she said. “The holidays helped.”

The Ice Fest, which continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, is a little different this year. Sculptors from DiMartino Ice Co. in Jeannette canceled live carving sessions that usually draw large crowds. Instead, they crafted the sculptures ahead of time to promote social distancing.

“I think it’s a tribute to the (Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce) that they were able to still do it this year, and do it with modifications,” said Kathy Zimmerman, owner of Kathy’s Kreations, a shop that sells knitting and crocheting supplies.

Business owners have needed to remain resilient and play to their strengths during the downturn of foot traffic.

“This is a wonderful time to be a knitter or a crocheter, with the pandemic going on and the social distancing, people are spending a lot more time at home,” Zimmerman said.

On Saturday, she took inspiration from a recent internet sensation, giving out free patterns for how to make the now-famous large mittens worn by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, which have been parodied countless times online.

Debbie Sarault, owner of Betsy’s of Ligonier clothing store, said business never fell off entirely in the town. People still enjoyed walking around downtown even during the pandemic, and nearby ski slopes still drew tourists.

However, nothing brings in business like the large events that usually pepper the borough’s calendar, she said. Ice Fest was a welcome return to form.

“It’s just huge,” she said. “For us, it’s a chance to highlight the store to a diverse amount of people coming. … We’re here, we’re looking forward. We are trying very hard to get through this.”