Valpo’s Winter Dazzle Melts Away The Cold

It’s not every weekend you can find a place fit for a date, a family outing or a spot for friends just to hang out but that’s exactly what Winter Dazzle was Friday night. Whether it was the ice carving competition, horse and carriage rides or hot apple cider, people met for a great event at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso Friday night.

The ice carving competition started Friday night but will continue Saturday at noon, when Winter Dazzle resumes. Two hot ice carvings actually had fire coming out of the top of them. They were by far the fan favorites, especially among the boys. Some of the finished sculptures from Friday night will be used in the 6-hole miniature ice golf course available on Saturday. The finished mini golf ice carvings can be found on the stage of the Porter Health Amphitheater.

Many couples could be found over by the free horse and carriage ride, sponsored by Art Hill Lincoln Mazda. To their surprise, after their ride they were greeted with a free hot apple cider from the South Bend Chocolate Company, complements of Art Hill. Couples weren’t the only ones over by the horse and carriage. Many families made their way to pet the horse and have their pictures taken with it. Families enjoyed a carriage ride together and then warmed up with their hot apple cider as well. In case you didn’t make it Friday night, there is no need to panic. The horse and carriage will be back on Saturday at noon!

As some attendees had a bit of a sweet tooth they made their way into Sticky Fingers, a new candy store downtown. One little boy found some gummies he wanted and was able to sample them with the help of Ezra Hrycyk, who works at the new store. Jack Hines, one of the owners, knew tonight would be a great night to make a name for the store, and they did as they greeted everyone who walked in with a smile with free samples of candy and fudge. The peanut butter fudge is a must-have. The only competition Sticky Fingers had tonight was the freshly made kettle corn outside their store. Sticky Fingers and the Kettle Corn will be ready for snacking on Saturday as well.

For everyone who missed Winter Dazzle Friday night, don’t be nervous about the temperature on Saturday, because the Winter Dazzle will be sure to warm you up. Everything that was available Friday night will be available on Saturday starting at noon. And the price stays the same...FREE!

Click here for photos from Friday night!