The 11th Annual Fire & Ice Festival was held in downtown Putnam, where the largest single ice block carving competition in the U.S. was the main attraction on Feb. 12. Guests watched live ice carving demonstrations by professionals and amateurs and a wedding cake contest during the Valentine’s Day-themed event, while enjoying food and drink from many showcased sponsors and vendors. A variety of beverage brands were also on display, with spirits tastes and specialty cocktails available from carved ice bars or inside a 30-foot inflatable igloo. Featured brands included Patrón Reposado Tequila, Grey Goose Vodka, Sweet Revenge Wild Strawberry Whiskey, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire Whiskey and Moët & Chandon Champagne, along with local spirits from Hartford Flavor Company and its Wild Moon Liqueurs and Wild Moon Botanics lines. Entertainment into the evening included stilt walkers and LED performers. Attendees also shopped and took advantage of food and drink specials at local restaurants. Approximately 20,000 people attended the event, which is presented in partnership with the Putnam Business Association and The Town of Putnam and is the largest single ice block competition in New England.
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- Bartenders Emily Edwards and Erica Frost, The Courthouse Bar and Grille, poured Moët & Chandon Champagne and specialty cocktails from The Courthouse Ice Bar, sponsored by Mohegan Sun.
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- The Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire Whiskey ice luge, sponsored by Allan S. Goodman.
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- A brand ambassador pouring Ketel One Vodka through an ice luge, sponsored by Brescome Barton.
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- A Brand Ambassador showcasing ultra-premium Patrón Tequila.
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- Michael Copeland, Field Sales Manager – Diamond Division, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), and Renée Copeland with cocktails featuring Patrón Reposado Tequila.
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- Hartford Flavor Company’s Wild Moon ice luge, positioned at Jessica Tuesday’s restaurant, treated guests to tastes of its Wild Moon Liqueurs, Wild Moon Botanics and Hartford Flavor Vodka lines. Hartford Flavor Company Organic Vodka and Wild Moon Liqueurs Rosé were featured in a signature cocktail called The Jessica Rose, which was poured from the branded ice luge.
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- Guests enjoyed tastes from the Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey ice luge, sponsored by Allan S. Goodman.
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- A Sweet Revenge cocktail featuring Sweet Revenge Wild Strawberry Whiskey from Jessica Tuesday’s.
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- Brand Ambassadors with specialty cocktails featuring Patrón Tequila Reposado.
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- CDI’s Kelly Miller, Diamond Division Sales Representative, and Michael Copeland, Field Sales Manager – Diamond Division, enjoying cocktails featuring Grey Goose Vodka inside the festival’s 30-foot inflatable igloo.
Photo 1 courtesy of Sheila Frost. Photos 2, 3, & 7 by Stonelight Productions. Photos 4,5,8,9 & 10 courtesy of CDI.
