Mystic ― With the help of some expertly crafted ice sculptures, Olde Mistick Village celebrated its 50th anniversary this weekend.

The annual Ice in the Village event displays ice sculptures around the village for patrons to enjoy. There was even an open heart in the village’s gazebo that made for a popular photo op for visitors, as this year’s theme was “Hearts on Fire” ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Sculptures were carved on Saturday and included a live demonstration ahead of a weekend-long scavenger hunt and costume contest with prizes for best Valentine Costume, Cupid Dress-up, most romantic couple, and even best Valentine Pet photos. The top two winners of each category are set to be announced Monday.

Visitors could find a special 50th anniversary sculpture by the gazebo as well as a teddy bear outside the Toy Soldier toy store, a rose in front of Becca Rose, a Dolphin over by The Boardwalk and a clover outside of Irish Eyes.

The Davies family was across the way from the ice-carved chocolate bar in front of Munson’s Chocolates, enjoying a sweet snack while they waited for a table at Mango’s Wood Fire Pizza Co.

“My whole life it’s always been great,” lifelong Groton resident Mike Davies said of the village. “So I don’t know the internal workings of the village, but it’s always pleasant from a visitor’s perspective. It’s always great down here.”

Davies was visiting with his wife, Jody, and their three sons, Gabriel, Hannan and Eli. They made sure to visit their daughter, Iris, who works at Munson’s while they were checking out the sculptures.

Jody explained that the kids, now teenagers, grew up feeding the ducks in the village’s pond. She added that the food and the small, privately owned businesses continue to be a draw for the family.

“I like that it’s outside because there’s not a lot of malls even left and it’s going strong outside,” Gabriel Davies said. “So you can walk around and get nature with everything else. And the food is good.”

The family said they are not Super Bowl people and were hoping to avoid a large crowd on Super Bowl Sunday.

“It’s the non-rushing pace,” Mike added. “You can just sit down and chill, take your own time. That’s what I like about it.”

Though it started as a Hickory Farms Store back when the village first opened, Franklin’s General Store has become a staple within the village. Heike Holley and her husband, Jim, bought the store in 2008 when the original owner retired and have enjoyed being a part of the community ever since.

“Franklin’s is kind of an institution,” Holley said. “We’ve got a following from way back. So, it’s just nice to be a part of that, part of something that’s kind of a tradition.”

She added that the Ice in the Village is just one of many events that the village hosts to draw people in during the colder months. Holley said not too many people realize the shops are open all year long.

But the smell of the store’s roasted nuts and fudge is hard to pass up for visitors. Holley said the fudge accounts for 30% of the store’s sales.

The couple, who grew up in Mystic and are still residents, jumped on the opportunity to purchase the store. Holley explained that her husband had a business background and always wanted a store in Mystic.

“It’s a nice, family-friendly place to be,” she added.

Melissa Whitehead, a manager at Pop On the Block, a gourmet popcorn vendor, said it’s nice to see patrons from all over visit for the weekend.

She said this was the second year the store had its own sculpture outside ― a popcorn bucket ― and that while the stores may change, the village stays the same. The Mystic resident said she remembers visiting Newport Creamery when it was in the village.

“Just different shops,” she said. “Nothing structurally has changed. Everything’s the same.”

Kimberly Meighen and her daughter Miranda from Bozrah spent the day together visiting shops and taking photos with the sculptures. Kimberly explained how her nine-year-old daughter loves the duck pond and visiting the Cloak and Wand wizardry shop.

“I remember coming here when I was little,” Kimberly said. “It hasn’t changed a lot so it’s very much the same as it was when it first opened. Just the stores have changed.”

“I love the Mistick Village!” Miranda said.

Mike Buck and his wife, Rosemarie, from Pawcatuck, used their trip to the village to reset ahead of the work week, and to introduce their dog, Marty, to the public. Rosemarie said the olive oil sculpture outside of Extra Virgin caught her eye and how she enjoyed spending her money locally.

“It’s just a nice way for us to escape and reset,” Mike said.

k.arnold@theday.com