Anyone stuck in the house battling a case of cabin fever because of the recent brutal winter weather conditions had a simple and fun cure to what ails them at the Lake Farmpark in Kirtland over Jan. 24 and Jan. 25. The seventh annual Ice Festival kicked off a two-day break from the January indoor blues Jan. 24 with the unveiling of the Farmpark-themed ice chair and an ice carving demonstration. The night ended with a battle between fire and ice. On Jan. 25, some of the best ice carvers from around the country showed off their skills and kids on location were eager to take photos with a full-sized Minion’s ice chair, Yoda and Olaf sculptures and ice slides. Those in attendance were also welcome to sit by a fire pit and warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores for an additional charge. “When we started this, it was a way to give people a chance with cabin fever cooped up in the winter a chance to get out and have some fun,” Farmpark Events Manager Andy McGovern said. “This is a very popular, family event and the whole park is open so people can not only see these amazing ice sculptures but they can see some of our animal babies that have just been born and we have a very family-friendly, kid-friendly theme for this so hopefully we see people enjoying their day.” Sculptors from Elegant Ice were on hand for demonstrations to thrill the chilly, but enthusiastic crowd. Some of the finished products attracted multiple photos and cameras from the families in attendance. Jeff Meyers of Elegant Ice said they have enjoyed coming to the Farmpark each of the seven years of the festival and the feedback is always positive from those in attendance. “This is a beautiful place and a great property and we enjoy coming each year,” Meyers said. “A lot of the sculptures on display were requested and you can tell we have a lot of kid-friendly carvings this year.” Meyers said while it takes three to four days to form a block of ice that will eventually be transformed, the expert carvers can turn that block into a well-crafted sculpture in about an hour. Chris Weichsel brought his 3-year old son Hudson to the Ice Festival and the young boy had no problem dealing with the elements, enjoying multiple trips down the outdoor ice slide. “He is enjoying all the ice carvings and he loves playing outside in the winter anyway,” Weichsel said. McGovern said growing up in Northeast Ohio he learned to accept and appreciate what comes with the winter months and feels the Ice Festival is a celebration of that. “Ice has always played a big role in this area, especially out on the lake,” McGovern said. “This is Northeast Ohio weather. This event gives families another way to enjoy the winter.” Yoda was one of several ice sculptures provided by Elegant Ice for the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Olaf from the movie "Frozen" was one of several sculptures provided by Elegant Ice for the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Hudson Weichsel, 3, enjoys the outdoor slide at the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Sculptors from Elegant Ice delight onlookers by turning blocks of ice into works of art at the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Eight-year old Olivia from Pepper Pike has a seat in the Minion's Chair at the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Sculptors from Elegant Ice provided fine carvings for the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival in Kirtland on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Show Caption1 of 6Yoda was one of several ice sculptures provided by Elegant Ice for the Lake Farmpark Ice Festival on Jan. 25. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Expand