It appears a Winter Festival will take place in February in Mayville.

Dan Heitzenrater, CHQ Chamber president and executive director, noted the developments have occurred in recent days.

“While we are heartbroken to have announced cancellation of the 2025 Winter Festival earlier this week, perhaps a silver lining is that announcement has created new interest and engagement from many people wishing to plan some form of a festival for 2025 and beyond,” he said. “The Chamber has been in communication with an organization in Mayville, and we have formally requested the Village of Mayville to transfer the Lakeside Park reservations and concession agreements to this group, as well as the Town of Chautauqua to consider transferring their support of the event. CHQ Chamber is working with this group to give the festival related equipment, supplies and materials to them for their use now and into the future. We also expect to provide a transitional sponsorship for whatever 2025 Festival may take shape, as requested by the organization who will announce their plans when ready.”

As reported this weekend, a group of community leaders and businesses gathered at Andriaccio’s on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of salvaging the festival.

Mayville Mayor Rick Syper said he was in attendance at the Monday night meeting when the decision was made. He said some of the concerns insurance had was for fireworks, bonfires and didn’t want to allow backpacks to be brought in the village park.

But after Wednesday’s impromptu meeting, Syper said he was presented a letter requesting the village sponsor the building of the ice castle.

“Our festival planning committee volunteers and staff brought many great ideas and enthusiasm for this year despite the hurdles we ultimately encountered, and we thank them for their time and dedication,” Heitzenrater said. “We hope as this new group emerges, some of these ideas may be able to be implemented and we greatly look forward to supporting the 2025 Winter Festival they are able to produce.”