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MAYVILLE, NY (WNY News Now) — Due to mild-temperatures this week, an alternative ice castle is on stand-by for this weekend’s Mayville Winter Festival.
The centerpiece of this annual wintertime tradition, hosted by the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce, is built by volunteers each year harvesting lake ice.
“While our mild winter has been nice to avoid frigid temperatures and snow-covered roads, seasons like this year create a real challenge for businesses who rely on winter weather for sports or traffic, including the Chamber’s own Mayville Winter Festival,” explained Dan Heitzenrater, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce in his weekly update. “It’s clear at the moment that the weather is not fully cooperating for an ice castle, nevertheless the annual Mayville Winter Festival will go on as planned over President’s Day Weekend with many exciting offerings.”
With warm weather forecasted, organizers of the Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival have a backup plan if temperatures preclude construction.
A wooden castle has already been constructed on a standing parade float and will be lit Friday night at 6 p.m. in Lakeside Park.
Even without a base of snow on the ground, the festival will include a wide variety of vendors including food trucks, warming fires dotted throughout Lakeside Park, a cold water rescue demonstration, a pet parade, a children’s area with games and face painting, a chili cookoff, a beer and wine tent, a volleyball tournament and 5K run on Sunday, and a fireworks display Saturday night at 8 p.m.
A full schedule is posted online at: www.chautauquachamber.org/winter-festival.html
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