FRAMINGHAM, MA - Billed as a Winter Wonderland, many organizers and residents were afraid that warm weather would ruin everything for this mid-February Downtown Framingham special event.

It's not often that the people of Framingham wish it would be a bit colder in February, but many hoped for just that.

Earlier in the week the Town constructed an ice-skating rink on South Common, but warm mid-week temperatures dashed the hopes of those who came with skates slung over their shoulders hoping to spend a few hours relaxing and skating in the middle of the usually hectic Downtown.

The one day event sponsored by Downtown Solutions, Richards Cafe, Chicken Bone Saloon and WINGS2U, Brookline Ice Co., Dunkin Donuts and many others interested in Framingham's Downtown revitalization attracted professional and amateur ice-sculptors to Memorial Square where crowds gathered to watch in amazement as several 300 lb. blocks of ice were transformed into works of art.

Eric Fontecchio, a professional ice-sculptor created several works of art that were nothing short of amazing. Fontecchio, who created the Wizard of Oz scene at the 1997 (Boston) "First Night" celebration made it look almost easy as he carved a seahorse, a swordfish and an eagle from a half-ton of ice.

Although the makeshift skating rink never did freeze enough for anyone to skate on, the day was still enjoyed by the hundreds of people who came out to see the ice-sculpting, take a hayride, have some coffe or hot chocolate and spend a New England mid-winter day in Downtown Framingham.

The idea for the Winter Wonderland was the most recent event held by a group known as Downtown Solutions, a volunteer effort conceived by Town Manager Russell Marcoux.

Downtown Solutions has sponsored several events in its first year including an extensive Downtown Clean-up, a Multi-Cultural Fair, a 4th of July Celebration, and the Winter Wonderland. Aside from the events, the group has been instrumental in the conversion of the Hollis Street Fire Station to a Community Center, and has worked with downtown merchants, residents, and Framingham officials towards a revitalized downtown.

Special thanks are extended to Joe Bradley, Dorothy Fitch, Boris Kanieff, Kathy Dion, and Deb Pendleton for their unselfish efforts which focus on Downtown, yet effect the entire community. As Deb Pendleton says, "We are dedicated to the Downtown, for the benefit of Framingham's public image".

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