Ammon to hold ‘Icy Inferno’ Christmas tree bonfire event
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AMMON — One aspect many families don’t look forward to is cleaning up after the holidays. This year, the city of Ammon has an idea to make getting rid of your Christmas tree a little more exciting: set it ablaze in a giant bonfire to start off 2021.
The City of Ammon announced the first annual “Icy Inferno” event where households can drop off their Christmas trees starting Dec. 26 until the main event on Jan. 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m.
Randall Miller, Ammon recreation coordinator, told EastIdahoNews.com that this was the city’s way of making a fun situation out of a usually boring one. Typically, people drop off their trees in the field, and the city disposes of the trees.
“If people are already going to dump their trees there anyways, let’s make an event out there,” he said.
The drop-off spot is in the area lot of the corner of Williams and Targhee in McCowin Park. Pallets will be set up, and a circular path will be kept clear for families to drive up to the pallets and lay their tree directly on them.
The Ammon Division of the Bonneville County Fire District will oversee the bonfire to ensure safety, and many local businesses are sponsoring the event and planning free giveaways.
For example, Chick-fil-a is giving away free chicken sandwiches to the first 100 people to arrive, along with other prizes. Al’s Sporting Goods donated VIP/Employee Price for Life, and Snake River Rapid Wash will give out free car wash gift cards to 100 people.
Idaho Central Credit Union is even sponsoring a firework show for all who come to see it.
The event is contingent on COVID-19 safety protocols and weather conditions. Even though the outdoor event advises following social distancing protocols and wearing masks, Miller reminds the public that the event can be postponed or canceled if the situation doesn’t seem safe for any reason, including wind.
The event will be streamed through Facebook live for those that can’t come in person, and if the entire event has to be canceled, the bonfire can still be watched through Facebook, though Miller does hope that the event can safely happen on the 23rd.
“We sure hope it’s a good fun way to kick off the year … and get the year off to a good start,” he added.
Updated information about the event, including additional sponsors, prizes, or possible postponing info can be found of the City of Ammon’s Facebook page or the Icy Inferno Facebook event.
