NILES, MI. -- It's a popular winter attraction that brings thousands to the area.

The 14th annual Niles Hunter Ice Festival kicked off Friday afternoon, and lasts all weekend long.

This year, organizers and carvers alike, are thrilled with the cold temperatures.

It's a drastic difference from last year's events, where the 62-degree sunny day, caused most of the ice sculptures to melt, before people had a chance to see them.

Danny Bloss II has been carving for the festival from the very beginning.

He says, he's just happy that people will be able to come out and see the sculptures for themselves this year. 

Likewise, program director Lisa Croteau, says, this event helps bring some business and economic prosperity to the Niles area, in a time when it's usually slow. 

A full list of the events can be found on the ice festival website.