It's evolved, it's gained momentum, it's taken on a life of its own. That's what happens when communities come together: We celebrate our uniqueness and people help people.

One of the most popular local events of the winter season is back and better than ever.

Venture Lititz and Lititz Borough will proudly stage the 17th edition of their popular Fire and Ice outdoor winter carnival from Friday, Feb. 17, to Sunday, Feb. 26. The already vibrant streets of Main and Broad, as well as Lititz Springs Park, will explode with fun and games, vendors and energy.

"What makes Lititz, Lititz? What makes it so special?" said Rebecca Branle, executive director of Venture Lititz. "I think it's people that makes Lititz so special. Fire and Ice is about bringing people together. It's to get people out, and we're helping our small businesses. It gives our merchants a lift to spring. It's about community and pride and people. Fire and Ice is a big event that turns the streets into galleries of art."

Physically and metaphorically, fire and ice are represented by the 70 ice sculptures, the chili cook-off conducted by original sponsor Lititz Lions Club and a relatively new fire show featuring a display of pyrotechnics. But the carnival also features a Lititz town crawl, a photography show, scavenger hunts, food trucks and much more.

"It's a regional event," said Branle. "There's a family-friendly aspect to it. My favorite part is watching kids' faces, just seeing what wows them. We're highlighting everything we want folks to know about us."

Visitors come, not only from Lancaster County, but also from York County, Lebanon County, Philadelphia and out of state. This year, Fire and Ice is expecting crowds to number over 50,000 throughout its duration.

"It's important because winter can be a time when we get separated from one another," said Branle. "Some of us experience the winter blues. Fire and Ice is a form of economic development that's about bringing people together at what is traditionally a slow time for local businesses."

Fire and Ice's origin can be traced to the mid-2000s and the Lititz Lions Club's chili cook-off. While much has changed about the festival over time, the one constant that has remained is the commitment of the community required to stage Fire and Ice.

"It was a community event from the beginning and a fundraising event for the Lions Club," said Branle. "It's changed over time. We start planning the event in July, and nothing happens without the support of our businesses. This couldn't happen if community members didn't step up. It's a lot of hours and a lot of volunteers donating their time."

For a complete schedule and for more information about Fire and Ice, go to http://www.lititzpa.com/event/fire-ice festival/.