MASSENA -- Plans are underway for what Town Supervisor Joe Gray describes as a “major mid-winter event in early 2016 in three communities along the shores of Lake St. Lawrence.”

The 2016 Lake St. Lawrence Winter Chill will include an opening ball to a dog sled trek along 17 miles of the river. Gray says organizers also anticipate outdoor hockey and broomball on the river, night outdoor skating with lighting and music, New York state-sanctioned ice sculpting, “and numerous other activities.”

“Even an attempt at setting a new mark in the Guinness Book of World Records is possible,” Gray said

While schedule details are still being assembled, there will be numerous events from Feb. 13 to 21 in Louisville, Massena and Waddington, Gray said.

The events are being hosted and organized by local governments, community organizations, clubs and agencies. Gray expects that a main planning committee and several sub-committees will be formed to move plans forward and finalize details.

The Lake St. Lawrence Winter Chill is the outgrowth of the St. Lawrence River Walleye Association’s Annual “Northern Pike Challenge” ice fishing tournament. This event, which will be in its 10th year, draws nearly 1,000 anglers to the frozen St. Lawrence in pursuit of big fish and cash prizes.

“The idea is that these some of these men and women, who plan to attend the derby on Feb. 20, will be encouraged to spend more time in the three communities enjoying the other Lake St. Lawrence Winter Chill festivities,” Gray said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or hosting an event should contact Mike Gagner at 212-7410.