Page 6 - ICE2025

Page 6

History from page 5

three-day event.
Lorenz said the purpose of the event was to bring the com-
munity a unique event while providing local retailers and
restaurant owners a “much needed shot in the arm” during the
slow months in sales after the holidays.
During his tenure managing and organizing the “Ice
Spectacular” as it was originally called, Lorenz made several
trips to Japan and Canada to recruit artists and teachers to
participate in the ice carving exhibition. He also negotiated
agreements that continue to exist today, including a relation-
ship with local culinary colleges to have students exhibit dur-
ing the show.
Lorenz, however, said there are many other people who
deserve recognition for the continued growth and longevity of
the event. He said after his epiphany about having an ice festi-
val in the city, he tried to recruit volunteers and sponsors for
the event. He said the first two men he talked with about his
idea were his father, Ralph, who at that time owned the former
Mayflower Hotel and Hank Graper, the city manager at the