Your 2012 Chilly Fest Guide

It's been less than chilly, relatively speaking, during a Wisconsin winter that's resembled early spring quite often this year. However, Chilly Fest is sure to generate another heat wave in the Village Centre Saturday.

Chilly Fest kicks off at 10 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. in Mill Pond Park and along Appleton Avenue and Main Street downtown. The event is packed with things to do, so here at Patch we wanted to make it easier to enjoy Chilly Fest to the max.

First and foremost, it looks like Saturday should be a mild day. According to the National Weather Service, the temperatures will hover around 34 degrees with glimpses of sunshine Saturday.

That being said, here's a look at the schedule of events taking place during the day:

• Professional Ice Carving Competition: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 ice carvers will set up shop in front of downtown businesses and create works of art from blocks of ice. Check out the interactive map, which details the location of each artist. Three groups of amateur ice carvers will also tap into their artistic side and attempt turn a block of ice into something resembling art. For the pros, there will be "People's Choice" judging of the sculptures after 2 p.m.
• "Warm up to the Arts" Art Sale: This is a juried art show highlighting the talents of several local artists, and it will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purloin Studio will be staffed by artists, James Mlaker, Jim Stephan and Carrie Crockatt. Local author Kathy Reed will also visit the gallery and sign her book, "Touring 1938 Europe Unawares." Art will also be on sale inside the building on the corner of Main Street and Grand Avenue.
• Bus Tours: Anytime from noon to 3 p.m. you'll have a chance to receive a free history lesson in between beers. The bus tour will travel past historic residential areas in the village. Boarding for the tour will take place at the shelter in Mill Pond Park.
• Chili Cook-off Judging and Awards: From 11 a.m. to noon, cooks will put their best chili bean forward in the annual competition inside the heated tent in Mill Pond Park. Menomonee Falls Patch Editor Carl Engelking will be on the judging panel. Be sure to check out the Patch table inside the tent as well.

Throughout the fest there will also be whacky winter games, entertainment, chili, other foods and beverages.

Additionally, one free raffle ticket will be given out for every can chili donated to the Menomonee Falls Area Food Pantry on the day of the event.