MASSENA -- The snow sculpting competition that was planned for St. Lawrence Centre Mall this weekend has been canceled.

“Because of the January thaw, the immense amount of clean white snow required to make several 4’ x 4’ x 8’ snow blocks is no longer available. This snow melt, combined with an extended forecast of frigid temperatures, has forced the centre to cancel,” said Ronald Patnode, Marketing Manager.

The centre now plans to hold the its first New York State sanctioned sculpting event next year. The event would complement the Massena Winter Carnival activities, according to the centre.

For next year’s event the mall plans to “make snow available, if necessary,” said Lindsey Breitbeck, marketing assistant.

The centre hopes the event will attract both amateur and professional sculptors, some of whom may go on to a national competition.

The centre will hold an informational meeting Friday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. in the mall’s community room. The teams who were registered to compete this year are encourage to attend, along with anyone who might want to compete next year. Reservations for the meeting can be made by calling 764-1001.

Other Winter Carnival activities will go off as planned despite the recent cold snap, according to the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce.