Your Guide to Ferndale's 2012 Holiday Ice & Winterfest Market This Weekend

The 2012 Holiday Ice & Winterfest Market will be held in downtown Ferndale this weekend, offering three days of holiday cheer and family fun.

The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority developed the festival to provide a hometown holiday experience for residents, neighbors and friends.

This year's event is presented by sponsor MotorCity Casino Hotel and supported by downtown businesses.

Hours

• Saturday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 9: 12-5 p.m.

Cost

Admission is free. Free photos with Santa available on Saturday. Items offered by various vendors priced separately.

Schedule of events

SATURDAY

10 a.m.: Santa arrives atop a Ferndale fire truck at Schiffer Park at Planavon and West Nine Mile Road.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Schiffer Park.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Free hayrides. Meet Santa's reindeer at Schiffer Park.

12-1:30 p.m.: Lunch with Santa at Buffalo Wild Wings. $5 for children 12 and under; $7 for adults.

1 p.m.: See world champion ice carver Tajana Raukar demonstrate her skills as she makes an ice sculpture of her own choosing at the Woodward and Nine Mile median. You'll find her 50+ "Masterpieces in Ice" around town all weekend.

2-4 p.m.: More photos with Santa at Schiffer Park.

All day through 9 p.m.: Winterfest market, ferris wheel rides, and holiday stage entertainment on East Nine Mile Road.

SUNDAY

12-5 p.m.: Winterfest Market, ferris wheel rides and holiday stage entertainment on East Nine Mile Road.

-Pony rides offered on East Nine Mile Road for a small donation to a new charity, Horses Heal Hearts.

-Also on Sunday, look for impromptu visits from Santa on East Nine Mile Road and throughout the downtown area.