Warm weather puts Fire & Ice on hold in Glens Falls

Runners and walkers were enjoying the outdoors on Tuesday. However, the mild weather is not such good news for winter sports fans. It’s also led to the cancellation of many popular events, including Fire & Ice in Glens Falls.

There was water pooling and weak spots on the ice at Crandall Park Pond in Glens Falls. This is where people skate and have fun at Fire and Ice, scheduled for every Friday evening in February. They’ve had to cancel two so far, including this coming Friday.

“Last week it wasn’t ideal, the pond was a little slushy because even last week it was warming, but the ice was still thick enough and so people still came out and made the best of it,” Ward 3 Councilwoman Diana Palmer said. “This week, the ice, we’ve already had to put up signs stay off the ice, because you can see around the edges the ice is starting to melt, and it won’t be safe for the community.”

FIRST WARNING FORECAST

This kind of weather affects a lot of businesses. People make a night out of it in Glens Falls.

DJ Peter Wilhelm is booked in advance for Fire & Ice. He loses the night when it’s canceled.

“We’re working with what Mother Nature gives us, making the best of it,” Wilhelm said. “But of course, with events like Winter Carnival in Lake George, with Fire & Ice here in Glens Falls, and all around the region, that cold weather is something we need and would like to see more of.”

DPW crews, usually busy with plowing this time of year, check the pond every day.

“We take measurements daily. We drill in it and take measurements all over the ice. It’s getting thinner by the day,” DPW foreman Jim Finnegan said.

People in Glens Falls are keeping a close eye on conditions. They hope to have the next Fire & Ice on Feb. 24.