Saturday’s high temperature hovered around 40 degrees. A nearby sign reads “Drive on ice at your own risk.”

However, local residents said it’s not unusual for visitors to park on the ice during the festival because parking is scarce in the area.

Gritzner said the vehicle owners will likely be responsible for paying for all repairs. It is unclear whether they will also be liable for expenses related to towing, emergency maintenance and police overtime.

Laurie Oberhelman’s Toyota Rav-4 was one of the casualties. It did not start after it was pulled out.

“I was walking around and saw the sculptures and walked to a Starbucks, and as we were coming down the hill I saw a crowd forming and some lights,” said the Wheaton, Ill., resident. “I thought, ‘Maybe something’s happening with the cars.’

“This is quite a different adventure than I had planned. I’m just thankful every human life is in good shape.”

Others sat in the cold for hours as they watched their cars and trucks succumb to the elements.

Area residents were a mix of sympathetic and annoyed.