Fire & Ice

Fire & Ice presented by GreenState Credit Union is Beat the Bitter’s free family day and it’s all about the fire and the ice. Bundle up and join us in Penn Meadows Park (355 E Penn St) from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. All programming is free.

Attendees can expect to:

MARVEL at performances and displays

• Enjoy fire breathing, juggling and spinning performances every 20 minutes
• Admire nine ice sculptures (illuminated beginning at 5 p.m.)
• See GreenState Credit Union’s (grounded) hot air balloon
• Watch the 15-minute firework finale at 8 p.m.

ENGAGE in activities and snag giveaways

• Sway on LED swings
• Vote for your favorite ice sculpture
• Warm up around the giant bonfire
• Check out silent disco headphones from Neighborhood Ambassadors and dance throughout the park
• Play Plinko for prizes from McGrath Toyota of Iowa City
• Snag a new car ice scraper from GreenState Credit Union
• Complete a STEM activity with UI Health Care
• Try your luck at a carnival game hosted by MidWestOne Bank
• Take your picture with marquee letters
• Add a piece to a giant Lite-Brite, hosted by Collins Community Credit Union
• Challenge your friends to a life-size, illuminated game of Connect 4
• Meet the City’s snow plow, Taylor Drift

Unfortunately, the quick melt this week means the cancellation of some previously planned programming: the ground is too soft for horse carriage rides and the ice rink is not solid enough for skating. 

FILL UP on free snacks and pizza for purchase

• Grab a bag of popcorn from South Slope Cooperative Communications (free)
• Roast marshmallows with Hills Bank (free)
• Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from Veridian Credit Union (free)
• Pizza from Elara’s Wood-Fired Pizza (for purchase)

Parking is available in Penn Meadows Park’s north and south lots, at Penn Elementary and along nearby residential streets.