Diamond Park will once again host the Butler AM Rotary’s Carved in Ice festival Saturday. The group expects 3,000 to attend.

The festival, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature chain saw ice sculptures by the DiMartino Ice Co.

While the deadline to purchase one of the $500 pieces has passed, attendees can still watch the sculptors at their craft.

“We will have over 75 blocks of ice carved either as individual blocks or as giants (four blocks or more),” said Deva Martinez, Butler AM Rotary event co-chairman.

“Our giants will include: An ice slide, a Throne, a Toyota Tundra Pickup, A Subaru sedan, a Peterbilt truck, a Pot of Gold with a Shamrock and a ’57 Ford Thunderbird.”

Last year’s festival saw ice blocks transformed into objects ranging from diamonds to eagles.

In addition, festivalgoers can buy a $10 ticket to sample and vote in the Chili Cook-Off.

They will judge which is the best chili in two categories: professional and amateur.

The winning chilis in each division will receive the People’s Choice Chili Bowl trophy. Votes will be tallied at 3 p.m.

Last years reigning chili champion, The Lyndora Hotel, will return to defend its title from contenders like Friedman’s Supermarket, Kings, The Monroe Hotel, Conley’s Resort and The Craft House.

Local restaurants, wine and beer vendors, food trucks and hot drinks also will be available at the festival.

Music and entertainment, including crafts and story time for children, will be provided as well as an ice rink.

In anticipation of the large crowds expected to attend, the city will make parking free in most locations.

“I am planning to offer free parking except in the new garage,” said Butler Mayor Tom Donaldson.

The money raised at the festival will benefit projects around the area.

“Last year for our first Carved in Ice event, we raised $19,500 for the Butler AM Rotary Charities, which is the nonprofit 501c3 arm of Butler AM Rotary Club,” said Peggy Weckerly, Butler AM Rotary treasurer.

Funds raised went to various organizations, including Weekend Backpack Program, ShelterBox USA and Butler County Autism Society.

“Proceeds from this year’s event will be used in much the same way since our primary emphasis is upon helping low-income and/or disabled children and youth and also helping to prepare our youth for tomorrow through leadership and training programs,” Weckerly said.