Port Jeff to host winter festival, mac and cheese crawl in February

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There’s a new winter festival coming to the downtown Port Jefferson — and it’s all about ice.

The Village of Port Jefferson and the Port Jeff Business Improvement District teamed up to organize the first-ever Ice Festival on the weekend of Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.

On both dates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Port Jeff will be decorated with ice carvings from local renowned sculptor and Guinness Book of World Record holder, Rich Daly of Ice Memories Inc.

“Placed strategically throughout the village, the ice sculptures will provide interactive photo opportunities as people can pose and sit in a giant throne or a large backlit sled,” reads a release about the event.

There will also be ice carving demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the downtown, as well as ice skating at the Village Center.

“Whether you’re skating at Village Center or finding that special gift in one of our many specialty shops, we encourage people to come down, while parking is free, and enjoy our restaurants and our beautiful historic village,” said Port Jeff Mayor Magot Garant.

“I hope all those who come to visit and shop, realize how much we appreciate their support towards small businesses on Main Street USA,” added Port Jeff BID interim president, Roger Rutherford. “Make sure you find time to come down Port for the Ice Festival to take part in the many different festivities.”

Additionally, there will be a cheesy component to the festival. On that Saturday, there will be a mac and cheese crawl happening, which has already sold out.