Ice Harvest Festival

The Hanford Mills Museums 50th Anniversary Season and the Ice Harvest Festival kicks off Friday, February 10th!

One of the region’s most celebrated winter events, The Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum, will return on Friday, February 10th from noon-4pm and Saturday, February 11th 10am-3pm. For the first time, admission will be by donation rather than the usual museum rates. This is a great family affair! Bundle up and help move the ice from the pond to the ice house!

photo courtesy of Hanford Mills Museum

Ice harvests were once an essential part of winter in rural communities. Before there was refrigeration, ice was needed to preserve agricultural products and to keep food cold in the warmer months. At the Ice Harvest Festival, visitors will be able to get a hands-on look back at the tradition.

While the range of activities offered at the Ice Harvest have change from year to year, the core reason for the event is the same: connecting visitors to the rural history of the region by holding an ice harvest. This year, the Hanford Mills museum staff will be removing blocks of ice and handing them off to the visitors. The visitors will then help transfer the ice, in a traditional manner, to the ice storehouse.

photo courtesy of Hanford Mills Museum

On Saturday, there will be two exciting vendors. Catharina Kessler will sell traditional Swedish “Lovikka” style hats and mittens that are hand knit using wool from her very own sheep. For honey and other tasty honey products, Blue Merle Apiaries will be selling wonderful homemade goods.

Hanford Mills Museum is located at 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith, NY 13757. For more details, visit the Hanford Mills Museum website.

See you at the festival!