Dog sled rides at  FIRE AND ICE  in 2010 (photo by Jonathan Schechter)

Fire and Ice is coming back to Rochester for the last weekend of January. And this three day winter
festival in downtown Rochester is sure to be an outdoorsy hit for all ages. I was there last year and 
assure you this event is great fun and people watching reigns supreme!

Fire and Ice is the result of cooperation between Oakland County, Oakland County Parks, the City
 of Rochester, the City of Rochester Hills and the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. With
 those credits out the way, here is some of what you can expect: Dog sled rides (thrilling for little kids!)
 a tastefest featuring local food (yummy) and microbrews (good I have been told), a tubing hill,
iceskating, fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, ice sculpture show, ice carving demonstrations, 
figure skating demos, downtown shopping, carriage rides and a lot of enthusiatic, happy people
 celebrating the ways of nature in winter in a friendly urban setting.  And I'll add a large exclamation 
point to the words of Oakland County Parks Recreation Supervisor for Outdoor Adventure,
Derenda Howard, "You have to come out and see it  for yourself---and maybe even jump on a
dog sled for a ride!!" 
More good news: All events are provided at no charge!

Details on the Oakland County Parks website: http://www.destinationoakland.com/  including a
lively YouTube video of last year's Fire and Ice.
 NOTE: Look for Fire and Ice under Things to Do sub-heading

WANT TO BE A FIRE AND ICE VOLUNTEER?

If you enjoy people and like working outside in winter and really want to
  help make this great community event  happen - and have fun at the same time-  then sign up
to volunteer for 2011 Fire and Ice. 
 And it's also a great way for families, scouts, students and other groups
to get community service hours in 3 to 4 hour shifts.
Prospective volunteers should contact Volunteer Coordinator  Rachel Boyd ASAP at
boydr@oakgov.com or call 248-975-9717

MARK YOUR CALENDER
  Fire and Ice is Friday Jan 28, (6:00 - 9:00 pm), Saturday, Jan 29, (10:00 am - 9:00 pm.) and Sunday,
 Jan 30, (11:00 am - 4 pm.)    I'll see you there~!  I hope.

photo by Jonathan Schechter