Pontiac Times

Pontiac, Michigan – The Fire & Ice Festival returns to Downtown Rochester after a two-year hiatus with an exciting new event – axe throwing. Admission to the festival, which runs Jan. 20-21, is free thanks to presenting sponsor Vibe Credit Union and other sponsors.

"The Fire & Ice Festival is a fun-filled opportunity to get out of the house, even in the depths of winter, to enjoy some fresh air and regain a sense of community," Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. "The event attracts thousands of people from across the region to get a taste of how joyful and active winter can really be."

This year's ice sculpting theme is myths and legends. Glistening ice sculptures will line Main Street along with the Big, Bright Light Show and its rainbow of colors. Plus, there will be an ice carving contest on Saturday morning. Spectacular fireworks will fill the sky thanks to sponsors Soave Enterprises and DFCU Financial. There will also be marshmallow roasting at the firepits along with the sumptuous TasteFest food and beer tent and food trucks.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation will bring out its rock-climbing wall and other fun activities because the long-term forecast predicts temperatures will remain above freezing leading up to and through the festival. These events will replace any winter activities which require lower temperatures.

Other activities include Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center's tent where festival goers may adopt dogs or renew or purchase dog licenses; the Rochester Fire Department spaghetti dinners to support Rochester Area Youth Assistance; face painting, cornhole, and music on the stage.

The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The festival site is at Third and Water streets in downtown Rochester. Parking is available at Buffalo Wild Wings at 1234 Walton in Rochester. There will be a free shuttle running between the restaurant and the festival.

For more information, go to go to www.OakGov.com/FireAndIce or Facebook.com/FireAndIceRochester.

County Executive Coulter, the Fire & Ice Festival Committee, Oakland County, Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the City of Rochester, and Downtown Rochester thank this year's presenting sponsor Vibe Credit Union; fireworks sponsors Soave Enterprises and DFCU Financial; TasteFest sponsor Rochester Mills Beer Co.; ice carving contest sponsor Consumers Energy; pet adoption tent sponsors Byer's Wrecker and Premier Pet Supply; fire sponsor Perspire Sauna Studio; search light sponsor Oxford Bank; and shuttle sponsor Buffalo Wild Wings.

Original source can be found here.