MAYVILLE, N.Y. — A giant crane hoisting heavy blocks of ice were placed atop the majestic ice castle in Mayville Friday.


What You Need To Know

  • Winterfest returns to Mayville Friday-Sunday
  • The centerpiece of the event is the ice castle
  • There are several events planned for families

Crews put the finishing touches on the community masterpiece for the Winterfest celebration at Lakeside Park in Mayville.

The event and the castle are back after a year's hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and holding steady after recent warm temps and pouring rain.

"We're very excited,” said Nick Andriaccio, ice castle supervisor. “It's kind of like Christmas morning for me.”

Crews have been building the castle since February 7, cutting thick blocks of solid ice to construct the 12-foot centerpiece of the Presidents’ Day weekend tradition.

"It means a whole lot to the community,” said Andriaccio. “Kind of energizes everybody.”

In addition to the ice castle, there are also two round snow sculptures as part of the overall construction.

"The whole thing is just incredible to watch and experience,” said Andriaccio. “Without the volunteers that we have, it just wouldn't happen. And there's a lot of encouragement through the community.”

"I think this is one of the signature events of our local area,” said Brian Pender, Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce board member. "Especially in the winter. So we're tremendously excited.”

Brian Pender, whose grandfather was a founder of the event more than 35 years ago, is helping put the finishing touches on the festival planning.

Events include a little something for everyone like a snowmobile show, fireworks, a polar plunge and a 5K.

"I think it really reflects our local community,” said Pender. “We get people from all ages, all walks of life, that are able to make it down here. I think every year it gets better and better, which is one of the things that’s great for the area. Bring more people in. More attractions.”

Pender made it down to the ice castle to get a firsthand look at the work.

Both he and Andriaccio encourage others to visit the sculpture and enjoy a much deserved celebration of the season, given the past two years.

"Community spirit,” said Andriaccio. “Community building. It's a great family experience. You don't see this in Western New York anywhere but here in Chautauqua.”

Local students from Erie 2 BOCES and Chautauqua Lake School are also carving out fire pits made of ice to help visitors keep warm.

The festival runs through Sunday afternoon.