Santa's elves may be the stuff of legend. But come January, a contingent of Cambridge's best will once again give them a run for their money, with Cambridge Ice and Oyster Fest 2023.

Last year, the city's downtown was transformed into a magical winter wonderland, thanks to IceLab, Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and Main Street members, Choptank Communications, and, most especially, a dedicated band of volunteers.

The 2022 event delighted a throng of visitors of all ages, whose spirits were warmed by the outdoor winter weekend's unique sights, sounds and taste samplings. Area merchants and restaurants also enjoyed the welcome influx of business.

Although Christmas and New Year's have yet to even arrive, the festival's excited planners, sponsors, media gurus and volunteers are already on the job, working to ensure another memorable, action-packed paradise on ice during the long MLK birthday holiday weekend.

"Hours are Jan. 13, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Jan. 14, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (with an inclement weather date of Jan. 15). The Ice & Oyster Festival grounds span the parking lots behind Chesapeake College in downtown Cambridge from Cannery Way (400 block of Race St.) to Blue Ruin Plaza with more sculptures on Race and Poplar streets. Live music will be featured at two stages," according to the event press release.

Building on its inaugural effort, the free general admission event has added a new Shuck and Slurp Oyster Relay to its lineup of last year's successful activities, including ice block versions of Tic-Tac-Toe, cornhole and even a putting tee.

Craft beverages and cocktails can be purchased with tickets at two ice bars and complimentary hot cocoa and coffee, courtesy of Starbucks, will be available to all.

An array of oysters – wild and farm raised, raw on the half shell and grilled – will be served up by Dorchester Seafood Heritage Association watermen, courtesy of six of the region’s top oyster farms: Choptank Terrapin Oyster Co., Double T Oyster Ranch, Farm Creek Oyster Co., Hoopers Island Oyster Co., Madhouse Oysters and Madison Bay Seafood.

IceLab, owned by Hoopers Island Oyster Company founder Ricky Fitzhugh, will again haul, deliver and deposit the 50,000 pounds of ice designated for chainsaw artistry carving.

Eastern Shore-themed favorites among the 50 3-D ice sculptures will include Chessie the Sea Monster, an ice breaker cutter and captain’s wheel, compass, train caboose, flock of geese, Chesapeake Bay retriever, deadrise boat, mallards in flight, antlered deer and more.

A polar lounge, giant throne, duck hunting blind and graffiti wall – all carved from ice – will provide one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

Professional set designer Kin West and husband Billy, who operate Pokeberry Cove Millworks machine shop in the Neck District, are again bringing their talents and tireless dedication to the enterprise, helping to creatively stage and set up the ice sculptures. They're hoping to have as many volunteers as possible to help with stringing lights the day before and also with breakdown and clean up afterward.

"If you're interested, ask friends and family to come along," Kin suggested. "Many hands make light work," she said.

Through the generosity of Blue Ruin Bar and Restaurant, this year's helpers will be able to warm up with coffee and hot chocolate inside the former restaurant supply company building it owns – currently housing the Robin Hood Shop's Pop-Up Christmas Store.

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Marina and Spa has stepped up as the presenting sponsor for the event. General Manager Joel Bunde has expressed pride in the organization's support of such a special community undertaking.

"The Hyatt is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of the 2nd Annual Ice and Oyster Festival. As a seasonal resort destination, it is wonderful for our county to be doing something so creative to attract visitors to our area with a wintertime event. It will be a great boost to our entire economy during this slower time of the year, especially our downtown businesses, which we are happy to support," Bunde said.

 "The Hyatt will host a ‘Chill-Inn Lounge’ complete with ice sofas and chairs, surrounding a warm wood-burning fire pit, that this year will be located downtown as a part of the overall festival," he added.

 "I hope everyone will consider volunteering at the event, for a shift in ticket sales, bartending or helping at a s’more station. Then, before or after your shift, you can enjoy the festival, too.  Volunteering for events like these are crucial to the success, and it is such a rewarding feeling to assist your community with this amazing event. It takes us all to make Cambridge and Dorchester County great," Bunde said.

Beth Kline, co-owner of The Blue Awning on Race Street, who served on the festival's organizing committee last year as a downtown merchant liaison, is currently coordinating the vital volunteer recruitment.

People are needed to help out ensuring the smooth running of games, s'mores stations, directing visitors and handling ice bar drink ticket sales, Kline said.

"The Chamber of Commerce and Cambridge Main Street have reached out via email and social media to alert the community about volunteer opportunities; I've also informed those on the Blue Awning's email list," Kline said.

For more information and to volunteer, call 410-228-3575, email info@dorchesterchamber.org or visit the Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest Facebook page.