Fire & Ice Festival
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson holds a press conference at the Rochester Mills Beer Company for the Fire & Ice Festival – Photo by Michael Dwyer
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson met with local media last week to announce what’s new at this year’s Fire & Ice Festival set to run January 24-26.
Once again held in Downtown Rochester, the seventh annual event celebrates the fun a Michigan winter can bring those willing to bundle-up and head outside for some fresh air.
“It’s a free family event that grows every year as the word spreads,” said L. Brooks Patterson. Three new activities were added this year. “We’ve added the Chill at the Mills 5K road race, a food truck rally and we’ll even have a pet adoption area,” said Patterson.
What’s New in 2014
The Chill at the Mills is affiliated with The Brooksie Way half marathon, although much shorter at five Kilometers. Race director, Deb Kiertzner said “It has already exceeded our expectations for a first-time race.” Over 400 people have registered for the race to date when only 200-300 participants were projected.
Race Director Deb Kiertzner talks about the new Chill at the Mill 5K race – photo by Michael Dwyer
Also new this year is the five food trucks that will rally the event, as well as the new pet adoption area
near the Rochester Fire Department. Cats and dogs from the Oakland County Control division will be ready to find a new home.
The Free Events
Of course, the regular favorite events are returning. Free activities include snow hoeing, cross-country skiing, ice carvings, ice skating, dog sled rides, tubing, marshmallow roasting and the evening fireworks display. The fireworks start at 8:00 p.m. and will be followed by a concert by the teen singing group, By the Way.
Ice Carvings by Jeff Wolf for the Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester – Photo by Michael Dwyer
The festival runs Friday 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Read the official press release here to see a full schedule of activities. And to help you survive an outdoor event in January read about Cold Weather Safety by Meghan Zeile of Rochester Media.
Finally, since the event happens behind and surrounding the Rochester Mills Beer Company, there will of course be a Beer Tent and local eateries will be hosting a TasteFest too.
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