Fire and Ice continues without wintery conditions

STURGEON BAY - Though the sun and warm temperatures threaten to possibly melt away the craftsmanship of the carvers at the Fire and Ice Festival in Sturgeon Bay, folks say they're taking the conditions in stride.

"They’re out on the sidewalks, out on the streets,” said Todd Trimberger with the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center. “You're not having to be bundled up. It's not all a bad thing."

It hasn't been a good winter for those in snow-related businesses, like Path and Paddle Outfitters.

"It’s non-existent. We just haven't had enough snow, because of the rentals being snow shoes and we haven't had any real accumulation, you can just walk around in your boots," said Michelle Harmann.

Despite the weather, retailers in Sturgeon Bay say people are still coming in and shopping, and enjoying their weekend.

"Business has been good in spite of the weather for the fact that people are comfortable with traveling. They look at the forecast and they're like, let's buzz to Door County for the weekend," said Karen Brauer with Wilkins and Olander, a boutique on 3 ^rd Avenue.

Brauer says the popular vacation destination isn't just for summer anymore.

"What's nice about Sturgeon Bay is that it's open all year long," said Brauer.

And Fire and Ice organizers say they're glad people are taking advantage of all four seasons in the area, even if this winter has been atypical.