Thompson Ice House Preservation Corp. President Ken Lincoln (left) uses a tractor to help volunteers Andy Crockett (center) and Craig Manchester pull an antique gas-powered saw to cut through the ice at the annual ice harvest on Feb. 22, 2025. The annual event returns Sunday, Feb. 15. (LCN file)
The traditional ice harvest at Thompson Ice House in South Bristol will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.
The free event attracts large crowds every year to participate or watch as volunteers of all ages cut large blocks of ice from Thompson Pond with antique tools. The volunteers then move the blocks along a narrow channel, up a wood ramp, and into the historic ice house.
According to Thompson Ice House Preservation Corp. President Ken Lincoln, there is “plenty of ice” for this year’s event.
Some of the ice is used to make ice cream for the ice house’s annual ice cream social on Sunday, July 5.
The event is free to attend. Donations are welcome and go toward the preservation of the Thompson Ice House and pond. Food will be available for purchase, as will special memorabilia and merchandise celebrating the Thompson Ice House’s 200th anniversary.
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.
