MAYVILLE, NY -- The 2012 President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival, scheduled the weekend of February 18 from 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 19 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Lakeside Park in Mayville, New York, will again feature many contests and sports competitions.

The Polar Bear Swim benefiting the Mayville Food Pantry will take place on Saturday, February 18 at 12 p.m. If you would like to participate and raise money for this worthy cause, call the Chamber Office at (716) 753-3113 for more information.

The Chili Cook-Off will also take place again this year from 2 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18. If you make a “mean” chili and would like to participate by having your chili judged on taste at the Festival, call the Chamber Office at (716) 753-3113 for more information.

The popular and competitive Snowball Distance Throwing Contest will again take place on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 5 through adult, with cash prizes in five age categories. Participants will compete to see who can throw a pre-made snowball (and they are already made and in the freezer) the farthest. Car dealership Westfield Dodge City of Westfield, NY, is sponsoring this contest and contributing the prize money for this event. Participants can register for this free contest Saturday, Feb. 18 at “Kids Corner” in the Community Center.

Another popular contest will take place – the Children’s Snowman/Animal Building Contest. Children aged 4 through 12 can register to build their snow creations for this free contest at “Kids Corner” on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Festival, judging taking place at 2:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded in three age categories. Participants will need to provide their own accessories for their creations, with no sharp objects allowed. An alternate contest will take place if the snow won’t pack. Andriaccio’s Restaurant, of Rt. 394, Mayville, NY, will sponsor this contest and provide prize money for the children in three age categories. For more information, call the Chamber Office at (716) 753-3113.

Mike Kingsley of Evergreen Outfitters will hold a “Kayak Iditarod” for adults and children on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. after the Snowball Distance Throwing Contest.

A favorite event from past festivals, a Broomball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. There is a $5.00 registration fee with an entry deadline of Friday, Feb. 17. Check out the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for entry forms to enter your team in this competition or contact Amy at (716) 753-6992 for more information. If you’d like to participate but have no team, let us know and teams can be formed.

Area schools will also participate in two sports competitions at the festival this year. On Saturday, Feb. 18 beginning at 1 p.m. a Tug of War competition will be held and on Sunday, Feb. 19 beginning at 1 p.m. a Dodgeball Tournament will be held. Call Hugh Butler at (716) 357-5241 for more information on these competitions.

Area businesses are also having their own events in conjunction with this festival.

On Friday, February 17 Webb’s Captain’s Table, Mayville will have Friday Evening Wine Tasting and complimentary hors d’oeurves from 6 – 8 p.m..

Also on Friday evening Feb. 17 The Lakeview Hotel, Mayville will feature musical performers The Porcelain Bus Drivers who will perform at 10 p.m.

The Mayville Library will again hold their annual Cabin Fever Used Book Sale at the Library located on the corner of South Erie and Evans Streets uptown Mayville from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.

A shuttle will also be offered by Chautauqua Suites which will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 between Chautauqua Institution and Lakeside Park. This is a great opportunity to check out the Chautauqua Institution and take a sleigh ride. Tickets for this are available at the Chautauqua Bookstore at Bestor Plaza. Call (716) 357-2151 for information on the sleigh rides.

Other Festival activities that weekend will include winter events/activities, craft and food vendors in the Community Center and tent, horse rides, horse drawn rides, raffles, Kids Corner Edible Crafts, chain saw artist, kids slide, bonfire, Rainbow the Clown, snowshoe demos (weather permitting), and snowmobile rides (weather permitting).

So why not join us the weekend of February 18 –19, 2012, at scenic Lakeside Park in Mayville, New York and enjoy some great winter entertainment.

Check out our web site www.mayvillechautauquachamber.org soon for updated Festival information or call the Chamber of Commerce at (716) 753-3113.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our current sponsors: Major sponsors: Media One Group, Town of Chautauqua, and Clark Patterson Lee; Platinum sponsor M & T Bank; Gold sponsors: Hogan’s Hut, Guppy’s Tavern, The Maple Inn, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Northwest Savings Bank, and Family Health Medical Services; and Silver sponsors: Portage Hill Gallery, Welch’s, Lake Chautauqua Memorial VFW Post 8647, Craig K. Whittington D.V.M., Mayville Auto Supply, and “A” Automotive. It is through your generosity that we are able to hold this event.