'Isolated Blizzard' Hits Central Avenue

Remember last week when ? Well, now there's snow.

To gear up for Thursday evening's event, a three-day shopping festival, local merchants and business owners working with the pitched in to deck downtown Highland Park in winter spirit -- meaning ice sculptures and snow.

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"An isolated blizzard of some sort" is what Larry Hillman, one of the property owners behind the event, coyly called the snow along Central Avenue and by and . "Very, very unusual."

The ice sculptures vary in size, and have been designed to complement the stores they're in front of. A sculpted running shoe sits in front of , for example, while a sculpted nutcracker sits alongside real-life nutcrackers in front of .

"We want to give a reason for people to walk around the whole city," and owner Bobby Dubin said about the sculptures. "They really represent everything from the downtown."

In addition to the sculptures and snow, the shopping event will include  from  performing at , live jazz ensembles and holiday carolers. Horse-drawn carriages will be taking attendees around town, and live reindeer will be on display. There will also be French crepes, fire-roasted chestnuts, Garrett's carmel corn, hot chocolate, and light shows after sunset.

In addition, about 30 stores participating in the event will be offering deals and discounts over the weekend. Click on the photos above to see the sculptures and deals offered.

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