MAYVILLE – For the first time in three years, the Mayville Ice Castle lit up the night Friday during the first official evening of the annual Winter Festival.
Ice Castle Spokesman Brul Swanson, who helped piece the structure together, said it was an easy task.
“One morning, it was like eight below zero and we had good ice,” said Swanson. “Mother nature is the true queen of the castle, (and) she brought her stuff.”
Swanson said the warm temperature late week caused trouble for crews..
“The guys, today, worked hard to fill in all the gaps from warm weather,” said Swanson.
People from across the region gathered Friday to see the ceremonial lighting. One woman from Erie, PA said the castle is unique.
“For being a small community like this, it amazes me they would do something here,” said Robin Page.
Another group from Hamburg, NY were amazed when the switch was finally switched.
“It’s really cool lit up,” said Conor.
Why come down here in the frigid cold?
“Cause we don’t have anything like this in Hamburg,” said Michelle “And, he’s eleven and he likes the cold!”
The festival will also include a polar plunge. It runs Saturday through Monday at Lakeside Park.
