There are a lot of cool events in Lititz, and in Lancaster County, for that matter. Fire & Ice is one of the coolest - and one of the hottest.

Venture Lititz's Fire & Ice is currently gearing up for another spectacular showing. Lititz's popular annual winter carnival is always seeking to top its previous self, and Fire & Ice rarely disappoints.

"It's an event that showcases Lititz in a way that other events don't," said Emily Allen, Venture Lititz's executive director. "I think this is one of the best events. I don't judge other people's events. Every event takes a massive amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. I think our events are amazing because I know how much work goes into them."

Venture Lititz is staging the 19th edition of Fire & Ice over 10 event-filled days between Friday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 23, in and around the shops of the historic downtown. The festivities will kick off from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, with Winter's Coolest Night Out, a ticketed Fire & Ice preview party.

While Fire & Ice is free to attend, some of the events and attractions require fees to participate and partake. Parking is available on streets, in downtown business parking lots and at Warwick High School and Middle School during weekend events.

"Fire & Ice is a way to get people out and seeing people," said Allen. "February is a cold month. (Fire & Ice is) something to look forward to. It's a fun activity in winter. It gives you a reason to get outside."

Fire & Ice will feature fan-favorite events like the Lititz Lions Club's Chili Cook-off, a maker's market, performances featuring fire, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, art in Lititz Springs Park, an ice cream social and a winter funderland for kids. Enhancing the event's vibe will be Fire & Ice's signature ice sculptures, which will be strategically placed throughout the downtown and include 95 one-block creations and 25 giant statue carvings.

There will also be live music, including a traveling band; 20 rotating food trucks; warming tents; a photo contest; and a food court. Many of the business district's merchants will be offering in-business specials designed to liven the celebration.

"There are tons of different opportunities," said Allen. "That's why we spread it out over 10 days, so you can do it all. You've just got to come back to Lititz to do them. My favorite part is seeing everyone out and enjoying it - just seeing this community come together and enjoying Lititz as much as I do."

This year's Fire & Ice festival will be presented over the downtown parts of Broad Street, East Main Street, Lincoln Avenue and Juniper Lane and in the front sections of Lititz Springs Park. More than 40,000 people from Lititz, surrounding communities, Lancaster County and surrounding counties are expected to attend.

"It's a family event," said Allen. "Everyone's excited to be out seeing stuff. Some of the ice sculptures are interactive. Adults get just as excited as kids do."

"People come from all over," continued Allen. "People travel for it. They're looking for reasons to get out. They're looking for something fun to do in February, and if they are, this is the place they want to be."

At one time a weekend event, Fire & Ice originated from the Lions Club's Chili Cook-off and a desire by Venture Lititz to support downtown businesses during one of their slowest months of the fiscal year. Presenting Fire & Ice requires the cooperation of dozens of volunteers and the support of more than 34 sponsors.

"The community comes together to make this event amazing," said Allen. "There are tons of people involved. February is a slow month for businesses. It's very good for the businesses of the downtown."

"It's (Venture Lititz's) biggest fundraiser of the year," she added. "It helps us to be able to do things throughout the community throughout the year, the continued work of Venture Lititz. We're not doing it for the money; we're doing it to see smiles on faces."

For more information, go to https://lititzpa.com.