Plymouth Ice Fest Market Offers Face Painting, Chocolate, Clothing, More

To get a break from the cold air, 2013 Plymouth Ice Festival goers can step into the heated tent under The Gathering Pavilion. There, they can browse the stalls of various vendors.

Kim Torres, of Canton, is there representing her 3-year-old company Face Flair by painting the faces of those who stop by. 

In addition to face painting, Torres also sells peel-able body art, which is a product line she designed, she said.

One of Face Flair's fans is none other than fitness personality Richard Simmons. Torres said she and her family started an effort two years ago to get into shape and got tickets to his show. She said she wrote to him about her struggle.

"He actually called my house," she said. "I almost passed out."

Torres said Simmons left a message on her answering machine, which she has not deleted to this day, saying he was happy to hear from her and looking forward to meeting.

"He came running over to me and gave me a big kiss," she said about what happened at his show.

Torres also creates canvas art, which is on display and available for purchase at The Candy Trail in downtown Plymouth.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Carol Fletcher, owner of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Ann Arbor, filled her table with peppermint bark, chocolate dipped Oreos, pretzels, graham crackers and other goods from her store.

"We make the caramel fresh in our store," she said about the caramel apples.

It was Fletcher's first time at the Plymouth Ice Festival, and for the store's mascot, an overstuffed bear named Truffles.

"He gets his picture taken more than anyone in Ann Arbor. And he likes to eat chocolate," she said as she pat his belly.

Other Vendors

Children's Orchard of Ann Arbor, a resale store selling 0 to 14-year-old children's clothing and toys, is at the Festival's market for the first time. 

Style Trader, a resale store in Livonia for women's, men's and children's clothing, is also at the Festival for the first time. It sells clothing and accessories for up to 80 percent below retail prices.

"We cover the whole family under one roof," said Jennifer Fields, general manager of Style Trader, which opened in July.

The DTE Energy Hot Spot demo and market area is open until 10 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.