Those dots, about 100 strong sprawled over a wide area, were ice huts filled with those looking to get in some fishing — and likely any chance to get outdoors during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic that has forced people to stay apart for nearly a year.

Many of the huts could be seen off the shoreline near Lakeside Park in Mayville. Mayor Ken Shearer said he went down to the park to take photographs of the ice fishermen and colorful huts meant to help keep them warm.

“There were well over 100 of them out there, 100 of the huts out there on Saturday when I was down there, and Sunday both,” Shearer said.

Many of those seeking to get a catch ventured onto the frozen lake over the weekend.

Photo by George Wiedenhofer

“There were some out there (Monday), I was just out there,” the mayor said. “There weren’t as many but what a weekend for the village — I mean, everybody was busy. It was nice to see people out and about, businesses were doing well.”

During a typical busy weekend during the winter, Shearer estimates there are about 50 to 60 fishermen on the lake. He believes the pandemic may have grown that number. “I think a lot of that does have to do with the fact that people really are looking for something to get outside and do,” he said.

He added: “I saw they had a skating rink, not at the park but down further on the ice, people were playing hockey when I was out there Saturday afternoon. That was down further past the Boy Scout Camp.”

Donna Sanderson, a resident of Westfield, occasionally visits Lakeside Park in the village on her lunch break to take in the atmosphere. She said she heard the reports of a huge number of ice huts over the weekend.

“I don’t know if there have been that many in years past” Sanderson said.

Approximately 20 huts could be seen on the ice in Mayville on Monday afternoon, while around 10 dotted the shores of Long Point State Park.