Breaking ice in South Haven

Second Wave photographer Erik Holladay traveled the streets of South Haven as thousands strolled through the downtown enjoying the fire and ice of the city's annual Ice Breaker Festival -- make that the chili eating and the ice sculpting of the weekend celebrating winter. 

He found people admiring the ice sculptures. There were others shopping, enjoying the ice skating shows and riding the horse pulled wagon. And we offer congratulations to these first place winners: Professional chili contestant Elk’s Lodge; amateur chili contestant Chili Willies; student ice sculptor Bangor Public Schools; amateur ice sculptor Dave Kurth and Nathan Cole and professional ice sculptor Phil DeBoer.

In weeks to come our photographer will be out looking for the shots that say Southwest Michigan.

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.