Ethan Miranda, 9, of Edgecomb, guides a block of ice along the channel during the annual ice harvest at the Thompson Ice House in South Bristol in 2016. (Maia Zewert photo)
The ice harvest at Thompson Ice House in South Bristol will feature hayrides, ice skating, and refreshments Sunday, March 12. The event had originally been scheduled for Feb. 19, but was postponed.
The free event attracts large crowds every year to participate or watch as a crew of volunteers cuts large blocks of ice from Thompson Pond.
The annual ice harvest will start at 10 a.m. and continue into the afternoon, depending on the thickness of the ice and turnout. Attendees have the opportunity to witness and participate in an ice harvest, an event common in the days before refrigerators.
Using antique ice-cutting tools, volunteers of all ages will have the chance to cut large ice blocks from Thompson Pond, move the blocks of ice along a narrow channel, up a wood ramp, and into the historic ice house.
Some of the ice harvested is used to make ice cream for the annual ice cream social, which will take place this year on July 2.
The event will also feature ice fishing for children, according to Ken Lincoln, president of the Thompson Ice House Preservation Corp. Donations will be accepted to preserve the ice house and pond.
Ice house merchandise will be available and the ice house museum will be open.
The nonprofit Thompson Ice House Preservation Corp. manages the Thompson Ice House, a working museum dedicated to the methods of traditional ice harvesting in South Bristol. For more information, go to thompsonicehouse.com or facebook.com/thompsonicehouse.
