Volunteers prepare another block of ice as a pulley system transports a block up a ramp and into the Thompson Ice House in South Bristol during the annual ice harvest Sunday, Feb. 14. (Maia Zewert photo)
Temperatures in the single digits could not sway 9-year-old Ethan Miranda’s enthusiasm during the ice harvest at the Thompson Ice House in South Bristol Sunday, Feb. 14.
Miranda was one of dozens of volunteers and visitors to the annual event, held this year on Valentine’s Day.
“I want to do this when I grow up,” Miranda said. “I could stay out here for five more hours!”
The harvest got off to a rough start in the morning, as the antique gas-powered ice saw was unable to start due to the cold, said Ken Lincoln, president of the Thompson Ice House Preservation Corp.
“We were a little worried there for a bit, but eventually we got it going,” Lincoln said.
Ken Lincoln, the president of the Thompson Ice House Preservation Corporation, and his son Kyle Lincoln operate the ice saw during the annual ice harvest held on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers of all ages had the opportunity to use antique ice-cutting tools to harvest blocks of ice from Thompson Pond during the annual event. (Maia Zewert photo)
Attendees of all ages were able to participate in the harvest and use antique hand tools to cut ice blocks from Thompson Pond. The ice was then transported along a narrow channel to a ramp, pulled into a chute, and then slid into the historic ice house, where volunteers were waiting to corral the 300-pound blocks into place.
Despite the brisk temperatures, Lincoln said the harvest was a success.
“We’re just glad all the people made it out today,” Lincoln said. “It was a little cold, but everyone still seemed to have a great time.”
