Lake George Rotary Ice-Out Challenge pits Old Man Winter against a bale of hay

The Rotary Club of Lake George has come up with a novel way to raise money for its many service projects. It involves a bale of hay, a frozen lake and the approach of spring. The Rotary placed a bale of hay on the ice just off the shore of Shepard Park Beach. It sits over eight inches of frozen water. For $5 a guess, or three guesses for $10, prognosticators enter the date and time they estimate the bale will fall through the ice.

This is the first of what the Rotary plans to be an annual contest. Mike Craft of the Rotary explained they had to wait until Valentine’s Day, when the Southern Basin finally froze, to position the hay where it will sit until spring thaw. The Challenge is in the form of a 50/50. Whoever guesses closest to the date and time without going past will win half the money collected.

And how will we know exactly what time the bale sinks to the lakebed? Craft points up to the Amphitheatre onshore: “There’s a video camera on it.” Ice out generally can be expected sometime in April, but the weather has not been its usual self lately, so it is anyone’s guess. Craft believes when picking a time, afternoon would be a good bet.

Related: When does LG freeze

Funds raised by the Ice Out Challenge will be put towards Rotary projects including the scholarship program for graduating seniors, the elementary school students’ dictionary program and upkeep of the welcome corner by Exit 21, maintenance of the Rotary ball fields and other projects.

Rotary members will be on the ice at Shepard Park selling chances at noon each day of the Lake George Winter Carnival. After the Carnival closes, people may purchases chances by messaging the Rotary via the Lake George Rotary Club Facebook page.