The silver lining behind this year's harsh winter is that the folks in Mayville, N.Y., were able to build the crown jewel of their annual I.C.E. festival -- a giant castle made of ice.

Today's topic: The I.C.E. Festival in Mayville, N.Y.

What it is: A winter festival in nearby Mayville featuring a giant ice castle created with blocks of ice carved out of the Chautauqua Lake. Other activities include: Snowmobile rides, carriage rides, pony rides, food & craft vendors, bonfire, clowns, snowshoe demos, etc.

When is it: This weekend - Feb. 13-15

Where is it: Lakeside Park (Route 394), Mayville, N.Y. Get directions at Google maps Once you get close, you can't miss it...there are lots of folks directing traffic & helping you park.

When I tried it: We haven't been to the I.C.E. festival in a few years because milder winters meant no frozen Chautauqua Lake and, therefore, no ice to build a castle with. And, without a castle, frankly, we just didn't feel it was worth the drive.

Why we're going this year: This year's deep freeze provided perfect ice castle building material. And, considering the clear roads (thanks to the recent thaw), it's the perfect weekend for a little Cass family road trip.

Is it worth the drive? I suppose that depends on how far your drive is and how your kids handle car trips. We don't live all that far from N.Y., so it's about a 35 minute drive for us...and is worth the hour or two we spend there walking around. To be honest, there is not a ton of stuff to do there beyond looking at the castle and all of the ice sculptures -- they usually have at least one you can sit on that makes a great photo op (a throne, a snowmobile, etc.).

Cost: Free! You may, however, want to bring some cash because there is a fee for the snowmobile rides, pony rides and there are food and hot drinks available.

Is it better at night or during the day? The castle is lit up, so...obviously, it's prettier at night when it's full of colored lights and they offer fireworks on Saturday night. But...it would still be beautiful during the day and you'd probably get better photos of the ice sculptures and such.

If you go, don't forget: Your camera and, if you're taking kids, a sled. Sleds work much better than strollers in the snow and ice. Also...bundle up...it's an outside event...double socks and winter boots are a must.

More info? Can be found a their Web site.

Here are a few photos...of the ice castle construction in 2001 taken by Rob Engelhardt for the Erie Times-News:

Placing the blocks of ice to create the castle.

Floating the cut ice blocks out of the lake toward shore.