Cold weather is again on tap for this weekend and for tomorrow night’s First Friday Fire and Ice celebration.

Early Friday morning, sculptors from the Michiana Ice Carvers will begin carving ice sculptures from 300-pound and 600-pound blocks of ice for the festival. Last year, 46 ice sculptures were sponsored by downtown businesses, which had the ice specially carved (See related).

This year, 30 ice carvings — totaling over 14,300 pounds — will be on display. Again this year, each completed sculpture will be fitted with colored pod lights to set them off.

Centerpieces this year can be found on the corner of Center and Buffalo streets and will be a replica of of the Miller Foundation Helicopter sponsored by Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller. A special thank you has been extended to the Miller family for sponsoring February’s First Friday.

Also planned are a snowman making contest for kids and adults on the courthouse lawn. Participants are encouraged to bring a shovel for the contest.

The 4-H Junior Leaders will be hosting their annual chili supper fundraiser in the Annex Lower Level (formerly the First Christian Church). Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids 5-12-years old. Children 5-years old and under are free. Several local churches, including His Vine, will be offering warming stations and hot chocolate.