By MATT LINDSEY

OGDENSBURG -- Brave people jumping into the icy St. Lawrence River, pond hockey, a 5k run, snow golf and an ice fishing derby are among highlights during the “River Shiver Festival” Feb. 15 to 23.

Reenactments of the “Battle of Ogdensburg” are also planned, both downtown on Feb. 22 and at Lighthouse Point Feb. 23. (See related story.)

On Feb. 15, for those brave enough, the Ogdensburg Polar Bear Plunge will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Dobisky Visitor’s Center on Feb. 15. $35 in pledges per person is required and the participant receiving the most pledges wins $500. A hot tub, hot food and hot showers will be available after the plunge. Door prizes and raffles will also be held. The minimum pledge is $35. All proceeds will benefit the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and the chamber.

Once again, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad will cut a hole in the ice, provide divers and harnesses and arrange for a hot tub to be available on the patio of the Dobisky Visitor’s Center following the plunge. Participants will have access to changing quarters, hot showers and food and drinks.

Pledge forms can be obtained at the chamber office at 1 Bridge Plaza, Suite 104 (OBPA Building) or by calling 393-3620 or visit our website at: www.ogdensburgny.com.

The “St. Lawrence River Pond Hockey Classic” will be held Feb. 22-23 at the City Marina and feature multiple divisions of three on three games with no goalies. Teams can consist of up to five players with a fee of $100 per team.

The tournament will host three divisions: 21 and over open, 21 and over recreational, and 35 and over recreational.

Vendors will be on hand and an outdoor skating rink for families will be available to enjoy during the tournament. Proceeds benefit the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, Ogdensburg Minor Hockey and the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce.

Teams may register for the event at Hosmer’s Marina, 54 East River St., by contacting Mike at 408-7546 or Bill at 323-6037 and more information can be found at www.facebook.com/ogdensburgpondhockey.

A polar bear 5k walk and run will be held at the Ogdensburg Community Center, Riverside Avenue and is sponsored by local Lion’s Clubs. Registration is $18 and begins at 9 a.m. To pre-register, mail a completed form along with entry fee to Lion’s Club Polar Bear Run – Walk, P.O. Box 252, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or bring to the Medicine Place at 511 State St., Ogdensburg. Make checks payable to Lion’s Club Polar Bear Run/ Walk.

Forms are available at https://www.facebook.com/pages/River-Shiver-Polar-Bear-5k-RunWalk/185763341451942.

All participants under 18 years old must have parental consent.

History buffs will be sure to check of “The Battle of Ogdensburg” events Feb. 22-23 featuring a battle reenactment, music from the era and discussions with local author John Austin, DeKalb.

Soldiers will fill the City streets at 1:30 p.m. Saturday to reenact the battles that occurred in 1812.

Saturday’s street battle follows the first part of the Feb. 22, 1813 attack. The re-enactment begins at near the intersection of Water and Franklin, proceeds south on Franklin to Washington and then west to Caroline Street.

On Caroline, the battle heads south to Ford, and turns west to end at State Street.

Following the 1:30 p.m. action through downtown streets, young and old can warm up in the library at 3 p.m. to listen to a concert of songs from the War of 1812 courtesy of musician Dave Ruch and enjoy the Winter Ball of English Country-Dance at the AmVets, 215 Ford St., at 7:30 p.m.

The battle continues Sunday afternoon as the action moves to Van Rennselear Point for the finale of the battle at 1:30 p.m., when Forsyth’s Rifles withdrew to Sacket’s Harbor.

Other activities on Saturday include colonial toys and games for children as well as DeKalb author, John Austin, who will discuss and sign his book “St. Lawrence County in the War of 1812.”

For event information, contact Tim at 528-2817.

For the outdoorsmen, Howie’s/Fishcap Battle at the Bay Ice Fishing Derby will be held Feb. 15 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wheathouse Bay.

Registration is $30 for adults and $10 for kids 15 and under.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. $500 awards will be given for the biggest walleye and the biggest pike at 5 p.m. at Howies Tavern, 809 New York Ave.

Proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warriors Outdoor Adventures and the Ogdensburg Vol. Rescue Squad. For more details or to register, contact howiesicederby@yahoo.com or 393-3669.

The Kid’s Place, 303 Washington St., will offer free event themed days throughout the festival.

To coincide with the polar bear plunge on Feb. 15, kids can make polar bear crafts. Toddler time will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and includes a winter story and craft.

Children can build and decorate and take home a cabin on Feb. 19 and play “snow golf” on Feb. 22.

They will be open every day with hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends. Activities will be on-going each day with no set times and participants can stay for as long as they wish.

The annual Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Cabin Fever Dinner is planned for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Dobisky Visitor’s Center.

Board Member Steve Hawes will be playing chef and making classic chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes and carrots, with cake for dessert.

Cost is $7 for dinner, $1 for dessert. Take-outs will be available.

A “Snolf” tournament to benefit the SPCA will tee off at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. on Feb. 22 at Knights of Columbus and Father Martin Field near the Boys and Girls Club.

Entertainment and food will be available. Prizes will be awarded to the best team.

There will be ongoing basketball, broomball and 4x4 hockey tournaments at the Dobisky Center running throughout the festival.

A bridal expo will round out events on Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 120 Commerce Park Drive and is sponsored by the Ogdensburg Zonta Club.

For more information, contact the chamber office at 393-3620 or info@ogdensburgny.com.