PHOTOS: First Winter on the Green Event Puts Downtown on Ice

The crowd gathered on Breidert Green for Sunday's Ice Fest took dog sled rides and watched a professional ice sculptor use a chainsaw to create a work of art.

Good thing it's called Winter on the Green, because Sunday's above-average temperatures made it hard to believe this was the middle of the snow season. READ: Check Out the Entire Schedule for Winter on the Green This Year But the residents and other visitors attending Ice Fest, the first event of Frankfort's annual seasonal series on Breidert Green, weren't complaining. Instead, they were enjoying dog sled rides by the Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association, snacks served by Lincoln-Way East High School student volunteers and a professional ice sculptor demonstrating how he creates a piece of art out of a hunk of frozen water. YOUR TURN: Post Your Favorite Photos of Frankfort in Our Neighborhood Gallery In fact, ice sculptures were …

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Birth of the Cool: Watch Sculptor Create Icy Art

Curious how the ice sculptures are carved for Ice Fest, the first event in Frankfort's Winter on the Green series? Our video from last year follows the process from start to finish.

Winter on the Green Begins This Weekend

Ice sculptures, a carnival and chili highlight this year's annual series on Breidert Green.

Frankfort's annual Winter on the Green series might be the best indicator that seasons have changed this year, because, given the mild temperatures and sunny days lately, you couldn't tell from the weather. All events are from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays at Breidert Green. Here's a look at what's on tap in 2012: What to expect: Watch an ice sculpture demonstration, ride a free heated trolley through downtown or check out the dogs from the Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association. WATCH: Sculptor Carves Ice Into Art at Winter on the Green (VIDEO) What to expect: Along with games and balloon animals, DJ Don Gray and Rainbow the Clown also will be on hand. What to expect: Visitors can compete in sled races, 3-on-3 hockey and punt and pass …

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Frozen Moments: Ice Sculptors Showcase Their Art This Weekend

Twenty icy carvings and a live sculpting demonstration kick off Frankfort's annual Winter on the Green season.

At its best, art captures a fleeting instance before it's gone forever. However, when it comes to ice sculpting, it's the artwork itself that is fleeting, immortalized only for as long as it takes for the object to melt. And therein lies its beauty, according to Jim Nadeau, owner of Nadeau's Ice Sculptures in Forest Park. "It's art for the moment," said Nadeau, who has been in the ice sculpting business since 1980. "It's the best example of planned obsolescne ever invented. You know it’s going to melt.  "Really, it's no different than hiring an orchestra for an event," he added. "You can't hold the music. You just remember it. It’s kind of nice that way. No one can take that away from you."  Nadeau and his company will be providing …

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