What a beautiful day two Saturdays ago for the second annual Alpena Ice Festival! A festival of this scope could not have happened without the commitment and resources from a number of organizations and individuals. A huge thanks to the City of Alpena, especially Rachel Smolinski, Andy Marceau, the Fire Department, and the Department of Public Works. The major sponsors who provided funds and volunteers: Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union (LeAnn Schultz and Alison Jakubcin), Nicolet National Bank, Wolverine State Credit Union, First Congregational UCC Comstock Fund, SOME CPA’s (Julia Oswald), and all of the businesses who sponsored nearly 60 (!) sculptures this year. Lastly — and most importantly– the board and volunteers from Thunder Bay Arts, who truly set the vision for reviving a winter festival in Alpena and took the lead to organize, secure funding, and make it a reality. Much gratitude to Tim Kuehnlein, Clint Kendziorski, Ann Diamond, and Michelle Miller (who truly deserves an Ice Queen crown for her leadership and commitment to make the festival a success). We are lucky to have these individuals (and the many others beyond this list who helped with the event) working together to build and improve our community.

ANNE GENTRY

Executive Director, Alpena Downtown Development Authority