Flamethrowers danced with fire while an ice sculptor chiseled Rhett and the letters “BU” in front of a coming and going crowd of about 100 at the Outdoor Fire and Ice Fest in the Boston University Academy parking lot Saturday night.

Sponsored by the Student Activities Office, the event was the third of four events in the Winter Bash series, which also included a game show, a movie showing and a midnight breakfast and movie.

SAO has sponsored Winter Fest for the past four or five years, according to Student Activities Senior Programs Coordinator Mindy Stroh.

“It’s something we do annually … to welcome people back,” she said. “However, unlike in the past, this year’s series was titled Winter Bash, and it included the fire and ice event.”

Draconic, a group of five flamethrowers, performed two identical sets which consisted of dances and various tricks with flaming ropes and sticks. Having previously performed at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Brandeis University, flamethrower Michael Farrell said performing at BU was nothing out of the ordinary for the group. However, the high winds did not make for an easy performance.

“It’s always tricky in New England,” he said.

Farrell said even though performing tricks with fire is fun to watch and perform, it can still be hazardous.

“Breathing fire is the most dangerous,” he said. “You really need to be with people who know what they are doing.”

Along with the fire performance, ice sculptor Eric Fontecchio was chipping and sawing away at two blocks of ice to create a menacing Rhett on top of the letters “BU.” Having sculpted ice for 22 years, Fontecchio said he felt no pressure and enjoyed the event because of the crowd of people watching him. However, he said the fire event gained more attention than the sculpting.

“It’s hard for ice to compete with fire,” he said.

Many students said they enjoyed the fire performance.

College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Melissa Mulrey said she decided to stop by the event while walking home from the hockey game.

“It’s really cool,” she said. “It’s a little scary because they have no safety nets.”

College of Engineering sophomore Lauren Varona said she heard about the event in an email and was impressed with the turnout.

“I came because I’m a fan of free BU events,” she said.

College of General Studies sophomore Tahari James said she decided to attend the event after hearing an advertisement at the Snowflake Double Feature.

“It’s free, so I have nothing to lose,” she said. “And [this type of event] always brings out a diverse crowd.”