Get out and enjoy the winter! This weekend includes an ice carving competition, a holiday sing-along, a holiday-themed run, dance and music. The fun is all over the place in Racine County. Real Racine has you covered.
Ice is nice. Burlington hosts the Wisconsin State Ice Carving Competition on Saturday and Sunday at Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St. More than a dozen carvers are expected to work their magic on 300 lb. blocks of ice – each standing 40 inches tall. The carving gets under way at 10 a.m. Saturday. Everyone’s invited to watch the artisans use chisels, saws and other hand tools to turn the ice blocks into works of art by 4:30 p.m. the same day. The finished carvings will be lit at night. Horse-drawn wagon rides start at 11 a.m. and Santa will be greeting visitors at his chalet in the park from 2 to 4 p.m. both days. On Saturday, the kids can see reindeer in the park starting at 11 a.m. and enjoy a bonfire and s’mores at 12 noon. Crafts for kids will also be available at the library starting at noon. On Sunday, the ice sculpture awards will be announced at 10:30 a.m. and you can hug a husky sled dog at Mercantile Hall from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The ice festival is presented by the City of Burlington and local sponsors.
A run for fun. The annual Stuff the Sleigh 5k starts at 10 a.m. Saturday from Texas Roadhouse, 6228 Durand Ave., Mount Pleasant. This benefit for Tex Reynolds’ Toys for Tots and the Racine County Food Bank includes a timed run through nearby Stewart-McBride Park and a post-race party at the restaurant. Runners and spectators are encouraged to contribute gently used toys and non-perishable food items. Registration, including a shirt and finisher medal, is $35. Visit www.stuffthesleigh5k.org
Sing for the holidays. You’re invited to catch the holiday spirit at the Music & More Holiday Sing-Along at 7 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., Racine. Local musician Mark Paffrath will lead the singing. He’ll be joined by 25+ singers from the Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin and First Presbyterian. Other performers include Brett Lipschutz (on flute and penny whistle), Randy Gosa (on guitar) and Benjamin Nelson (on piano). Free admission. Donations will be accepted for the regional Presbyterian mission fund and three Music & More youth music scholarships. For details, call 262-632-1686.
Dance performances. The Studio of Classical Dance Arts presents “The Story of the Nutcracker” at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Main Stage Theater, 900 Wood Road, Somers. Performances are at 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and younger. Advance tickets at: www.classicdancearts.com
Last chance for “Carol.” The classic story, told with music, “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” wraps up its run this weekend at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. You’ll see the life-changing tale, complete with lively songs, of how Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets, call 262-633-4218 or visit www.racinetheatre.org
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