Ice sculpting, fire juggling planned at Franklin library

FRANKLIN — The Friends of the Franklin Public Library are piloting a new community event this year called the Fire and Ice Show. This event will be free to the public and will include exciting entertainment and displays, officials said.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Friends of the Franklin Public Library are presenting the Fire and Ice Show. Guests will get to see a fire juggler and an ice sculptor in action 2-4 p.m.

Heather Mydloski, a board member of the Friends of the Franklin Public Library, said they chose the theme to be fire and ice because they wanted to celebrate winter while still respecting the various religious affiliations within the village. They chose to hold it after the holidays to make the event inclusive to all.

“We just wanted to create an event that would give something fun for families to do together in Franklin,” Mydloski said.

Entertainment for the Fire and Ice show will include the Fire Artist Lady FireFox and Ice Dreams Sculptures.

Lady FireFox is a fire artist from Sterling Heights. She eats fire, breathes fire, uses fire fans and fire hula hoops, and more.

Ice Dreams Sculptures is an ice sculpting block manufacturer in Plymouth that travels to events to sculpt ice. All of the carvings are created by Tajana Raukar, a seven-time world champion in ice carving. Once the ice sculpture is completed at the event, it will be displayed in the reading garden until it melts.

Franklin Public Library Director Teresa Natzke said she hopes that this event brings people into the library who do not often participate in library programs.

“Anytime we can get anybody new and different who is not used to coming to the library, we love that,” Natzke said. “We have a lot of regulars who come to the library and love the library, but we are always looking to grab those people who do not use us regularly yet.”

Mydloski said they are considering this year’s event to be a pilot program to gauge attendance and community excitement. If it is successful, they hope to grow the event next year by adding more ice sculptures and other winter activities.

Guests are encouraged to stroll around Franklin to shop or eat while they are in town for the Fire and Ice Show.