The Town of Newmarket’s newest signature event gets underway today, with a full slate of events planned for the downtown core over the weekend.
The town has transformed Main Street for its new four-day Ice Lounge event running all weekend, Feb. 22 to 25. A portion of the street will be closed to vehicular traffic, as live entertainment and gathering spaces will take over the street.
Events begin at 5 p.m. Thursday.
“Three days and nights of entertainment and fun,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said on social media. “Main Street is closed and fully licensed. Come out and see the giant igloos, magicians, raffle prizes, entertainment, Muskoka chairs, firepits, ice sculptures and outdoor ice bars!”
The event takes place on Main between Water Street and Park Avenue, with alcohol openly allowed throughout the night.
Due to limited downtown parking, the municipality has set up nearby pick-up and drop-off zones for attendees looking for ride-share or taxi service. These include Park at Main, Water at Main, Timothy Street east at the community centre, Doug Duncan Drive at the community centre and Botsford and Timothy streets.
The town is also offering a draw promotion. If you spend $50 or more on products or services at participating downtown businesses, excluding restaurants and gift cards, you can stop by the town’s Choose Local booth at the corner of Timothy and Main to enter a draw for prizes that includes diamond earrings, gift cards and a stay at the soon to be opened Postmark Hotel. Full contest details are available on the municipal website.
The town also said businesses are offering special deals throughout the weekend.
"It's a party on Main Street and we can't wait to see you there," the municipality said.
The full schedule includes:
Thursday, Feb. 22, 5 to 11 p.m.
• 5 to 10 p.m. | Vango & Snow Globe photobooths
• 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Andy Blau (magician), Andrew Eland (sleight of hand entertainer), Stasia Fantasia the Mermaid Oracle (psychic readings)
• 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. | Bex in Motion (fire/LED entertainer)
• 7:30 p.m. | Mayor’s welcome announcement
Friday, Feb. 23 | noon to 11 p.m.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Live ice sculpting
• 4 to 8 p.m. | Vango & Snow Globe photobooths
• 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Andy Blau (magician), Andrew Eland (sleight of hand entertainer), Stasia Fantasia the Mermaid Oracle (psychic readings)
• 6 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Bex in Motion (fire/LED entertainer)
Saturday, Feb. 24 | noon to 11 p.m.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Live ice sculpting
• Noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. | Vango & Snow Globe photobooths
• 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Andy Blau (magician), Andrew Eland (sleight of hand entertainer), Stasia Fantasia the Mermaid Oracle (psychic readings)
• 6 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Bex in Motion (fire/LED entertainer)
Sunday, Feb. 25 | noon to 5 p.m.
• Noon to 3 p.m. | Vango & Snow Globe photobooths
• Noon to 5 p.m. | Andy Blau (magician), Andrew Eland (sleight of hand entertainer), Stasia Fantasia the Mermaid Oracle (psychic readings)
