CASSADAGA — During Cassadaga’s Winter Festival on Saturday, the frigid ice-scream dip really chilled everybody out. On the cold, 24 degree and snowy day, many residents participated in the lake dip, sponsored by the RED House. In fact, Steve Wickmark, owner of the beloved house, was the first to jump in.

George Borrello, New York State Senator for the 57th District, also dipped in the lake. “It’s fun to get out there and swim with everybody,” said Borrello after his bitter-cold venture. A prize was given to the jumper with the best scream — which ended up going to Borrello.

The Cassadaga Fire Department used the activity as a training day, as they had to make a hole in the ice and make sure everybody was safe going into the water and getting out.

It seemed to be a fun experience for all, even those who did not jump, as they cheered their family and friends on. “It was super cold but I’m glad I did it, since the money is going back into the community,” said one of the brave jumpers.