LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — A big turnout for opening night at the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice.
Now in its 20th year, the festival theme for 2024 is Jurassic Park. Dozens of ice sculptures are displayed throughout the borough's downtown, all with a dinosaur theme.
Organizer Janice Bevacqua even dressed the part.
"It's families- it's not just kids; it's parents and grandparents. I scared so many kids on the way down. It was so much fun," Bevacqua said.
Whatever the species, kids really seemed to enjoy the dinosaurs on display.
John Swabosei brought his family here from Nicholson, including 9-year-old Frank, who had trouble picking a favorite.
"Probably the Spinosaurus because it hits other dinosaurs with its tail," said Swabosei.
However, the dinosaurs might have a tough time this weekend. Temperatures soared into the 50s for the festival's opening day, which was great for the turnout but less so for the sculptures.
Still, with all the festivities, the ice carvings will go on as scheduled.
Vanessa Therkorn will be here for all of it. She was crowned the 2024 ice princess, partly on the strength of her essay.
"I applied, and I wrote what I think about this community. It's awesome."
The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday.