The Town of Newmarket is bringing back its premier winter event this year with Ice Lounge on Main set to return Feb. 21 to 23.
After piloting the event for the first time last year, the town is once again planning to transform Main Street into an outdoor winter lounge featuring live music, an on-street bar, street performances and activities for all ages for a weekend of winter fun.
For the event, from Water Street to Park Avenue, Main Street will also become a fully licensed pedestrian zone closed to vehicle traffic.
“Last year’s inaugural Ice Lounge on Main event drew 10,000 people out of their homes and to Newmarket’s Historic Main Street, attracting local, regional and even international visitors,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a news release. “It was a huge success for our community and businesses, and we’re excited to welcome people back to Newmarket this year for a full weekend of winter-themed festivities.”
The event also earned a positive reception from a majority of Main Street businesses. About 67 per cent indicated that they saw higher than typical sales due to the event.
The event will feature a fireside and igloo lounges, along with free hot chocolate, soup and roasted marshmallows.
Taylor also said they will add new features this year, including a daytime DJ, kids activities and live local music all night. He also noted that people can now stay overnight at the Postmark Hotel on Main “for an action-packed getaway closer to home.” The hotel will be offering free hot chocolate and soup to guests as part of the event.
The event will also encourage people to shop locally. By spending $50 on Main Street businesses, you can redeem a receipt for a chance to win one of five grand prizes valued at over $500. In addition, the first 125 people who enter a Choose Local contest each day will receive a $25 Choose Local prepaid VISA gift card.
Other features include a mini tube slide on Botsford Street, photo spots, and an arctic lounge featuring life-life arctic animal statues.
The event will run from noon to 10 p.m. Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 22 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23.
More information, schedules and a map of activations can be found at newmarket.ca/iceloungeonmain.