The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival starts this Friday, February 3 and runs through February 12, 2017!
You can visit the iconic Saranac Lake Ice Palace, shop for crafts, participate in contests, and more during the two weeks of the Winter Carnival. Whether you think you’re the best curler in the Adirondacks or you’re more into the open mic and karaoke evenings, there’s something for everyone!
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Headquarters
Though Winter Carnival activities will be taking place all over town, you will need to get a button before you can participate!
Winter Carnival Headquarters open on February 3, 2017 at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 193 River Street. Headquarters will be open from 9 am – 5 pm, February 3-12, 2017.
Carnival attendees can purchase their buttons – designed by Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau – along with a variety of other logo items for sale, including shirts, hats, balsam pillows, earrings, magnets, beverage glasses, and more at headquarters during the two weeks of the Winter Carnival.
Meet Your Winter Carnival Grand Marshal: Barbara Rice
Barbara Rice is a native of Saranac Lake and very active in the local community. Rice is a member of the Franklin County Legislature and currently serves as Chairwoman of the board. She was also recently appointed by Governor Cuomo to serve as a Commissioner of the Adirondack Park Agency.
In addition to these responsibilities and an active role in her family business, Rice Furniture, Rice is a member of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and trustee of the Adirondack Health Foundation. She also formerly served as a Saranac Lake Village Trustee, member of the Harrietstown Board of Assessment and Review, and board member of Habitat for Humanity.
The public is invited to meet Rice at the Grand Marshal Reception on February 7 at 5 pm at the Red Fox Restaurant in Saranac Lake. The Grand Marshal Reception is a free event with a cash bar available. The reception will be followed by a reservation-only Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner.
Attend the Winter Carnival Gala Parade on February 11
The annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Gala Parade is sponsored by Hotel Saranac and will take place on Saturday, February 11 at 1 pm.
The parade routes down Broadway and Main Streets from Ampersand Avenue to Lapan Highway.
Parade performers are judged in several classes, including business, civic or volunteer groups, youth groups, school groups, independent groups, and animal units. Trophies will be awarded to the top two entries in each group that best fit the “Adirondack Wildlife” theme. The Louis Fobare Trophy for Best of Show will also be awarded.
New this year, those who cannot attend the parade will be able to watch a live stream on the internet! The parade and Winter Carnival Royalty Ceremony will both be recorded and broadcast by Time Warner on local television channels 2 and 22.
