Members of Lawrence County Flow Collective perform during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Crowds packed downtown Butler on a mild February evening as the city’s annual Carved in Ice Winter Festival kicked off with its popular light-up night on Friday in Diamond Park.
Since its launch in 2015, the event has grown into a signature winter tradition, turning Main Street and the park across from the Butler County Courthouse into a showcase of ice sculptures and live demonstrations.
Colored lights illuminated intricately carved ice blocks as visitors watched live carving demonstrations and strolled through the park. Local breweries, wineries and food trucks offered warm drinks and food to celebrate the occasion.
The festival serves as the Butler AM Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser and supports other projects and charitable efforts throughout the year.
The event continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Glacial Ice Works owner Jared McAlister carves the Liberty Bell out of ice during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Members of Lawrence County Flow Collective perform during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Jeff Kaiser carves an ice sculpture of the Butler County Courthouse during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Ally Fulena with Lawrence County Flow Collective performs during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Glacial Ice Works carve the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Allen Ross dances during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Glacial Ice Works owner Jared McAlister carves the Liberty Bell out of ice during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Ally Fulena with Lawrence County Flow Collective eats fire during the first day of Carved in Ice on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
Carved in Ice attendees watch Lawrence County Flow Collective's performance on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Matthew Brown
