Sturgeon Bay Fire and Ice Festival Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin

STURGEON BAY — Sturgeon Bay’s annual Fire and Ice Weekend promises outdoor fun with activities for all ages.

Starting Friday, Feb. 12 from 6-8 p.m. is a Candlelight Ski/Hike at Big Creek Nature Preserve. This event consists of a candlelight ski or snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek, though there will be a candlelight hike if there’s not enough snow to ski. 

You can bring your own equipment or there will be equipment available to borrow. There will be skis, poles, boots and snowshoes in all sizes from tiny tot to large adult to borrow on a first come, first serve basis as their inventory allows.

Volunteers will be on hand to help get you started. Staggered departures and safety protocols will be followed. You will be asked to avoid others when on the trails and step off the trails when necessary to avoid contact.

This will be a family-friendly event offered at no charge. Freewill donations to Crossroads are accepted and appreciated. No reservations are necessary.

On Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m.-2p.m. there will be a Professional Snow Sculpting & Ice Block Carving competition for professional, advanced, intermediate and novice artists. They will be carving for a chance to win cash prizes and the People’s Choice Award.

You will be able to watch snow and ice sculptors create beautiful works of art throughout Sturgeon Bay in front of the local businesses. You are encouraged to stroll the streets, and spend the day shopping, dining, and admiring artists as they transform a 300 pound ice and snow block into jaw-dropping masterpieces.

Fire & Ice event maps with ice and snow block locations will be available at local businesses and  at the Destination Sturgeon Bay Welcome Center.  Included with every map is a People’s Choice ballot — pick your favorite and cast your vote.

Going on at the same time will be the second annual Community Snowman Build (weather permitting). Come out and build your own snow-friend at Martin Park. Carrots, scarves, and other snowman making materials will be provided.

Also on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 7-8 p.m., there will be a Fire & Ice Virtual Gala featuring live entertainment by Charlie Berens of “Manitowoc Minute.” Tickets for the virtual gala range from $60 (for the link to the virtual event) to $90 (dinner for one by Scaturo’s Baking Co. & dessert by Stone Harbor Resort, hot chocolate or Door Peninsula wine, a virtual event link, snowflake cookies, a chance to win a Sturgeon Bay “Golden Ticket” worth $100 in Sturgeon Bay gift cards, and sparklers) to $150 (everything you would get from the $90.00 ticket, but for two people).

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Pick up your Fire or Ice gift and dinner Saturday, Feb. 13 at Scaturo’s Baking Co. (19 Green Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) from 4-6 p.m. You will be asked to bring your printed out ticket stub and the Destination Sturgeon Bay staff will assist you with your items.

Starting Saturday, Feb. 6, you can start bidding on silent auction items featuring beautiful items and virtual events from your favorite Door County businesses.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 13 at approximately 9 p.m., there will be a Winter on the Water Fire & Ice Fireworks Show. There will be fireworks right on the Bay of Sturgeon Bay (near Sonny’s). You will be able to enjoy viewing from your car or at a socially distanced, safe outdoor space just about anywhere along Sturgeon Bay’s beautiful public waterfront. 

By Carly Rengeutte - Door County Shore Report

Digital and Social Media producer