We’ve got the latest updates on the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival! Keep reading to find out what contests are open to the public (including a new one for 2020!), what this year’s button looks like, and more. The carnival starts on Friday, January 31st.
Check Out This New Icicle Contest
Start keeping an eye on the icicles at your house! The brand new Icicle Contest takes place on Saturday, February 1st at Riverside Park with judging taking place at 12pm.
Contestants must take a photo of themselves with the newly formed icicle prior to it being removed from the property and transported to Riverside Park. The goal is to have the longest icicle.
Here’s the Icicle Contest application >>
Contestants Needed for Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest
Contestants are also needed for the Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest, also on February 1st, between 10am and 4pm at Prescott Park next to the Lake Flower State Boat Launch.
Participants built a family-friendly miniature golf obstacle out of snow. You’ll build it, test the functionality, and complete it before 4pm for the Arctic Golf Event that’s open to the public the next day.
See the Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest application >>
Winter Carnival Parade Accepting Applications
If you’d like to participate in the parade, we’re getting down to the wire! The parade takes place on February 8th and event organizers encourage those who want to get it on this to plan as far ahead as possible.
Entries are rated on the following: theme (goes along with this year’s theme, Myths and Legends), sound system, live music, choreography, costumes, float decoration, creativity, and unusual item.
The 2020 Button Revealed
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival button is a longstanding tradition in the community, with cartoonist Garry Trudeau having designed the button every year since 1981. The button design always coincides with the current year’s theme.
Buttons cost $5 and are available at the Winter Carnival gift shop headquarters at the ROOST office on River Street. You can also buy it ahead of time at multiple Saranac Lake businesses, including the Blue Moon Cafe, Hotel Saranac, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Details on the Grand Marshall Reception & Royalty Dinner
The Grand Marshall Reception & Royalty Dinner is Tuesday, February 4th at Hotel Saranac. The public is invited to the reception held from 5pm to 6pm. Snacks will be served and there will be a cash bar.
The Royalty Dinner follows from 6pm to 9pm and is by reservation only. The dinner is buffet-style with chicken, pork loin, cheese ravioli, and more, and is $32 for ages 17 and older, $16 for kids 6 to 16, and free for children under 6. You can make a reservation prior to January 28th by contacting Milt Adams at 518.891.4367.
Grand Marshall for Parade Announced
Tom Catillaz has been declared the Grand Marshall for the parade. Tom is an outstanding member of the community, having been a member of the Lions Club (holding most all of the positions in the club), he’s currently a member of the Village Board (and has been for 18 years), and he was also Mayor of Saranac Lake for seven years. Congrats to Tom!
Ice Palace Construction has Started
The Ice Palace – the main attraction of the carnival! Construction has started and you can check out the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Facebook page for updates.
Volunteers create this incredible palace every year, subjecting themselves to frigid temperatures. While modern equipment is used for heavy lifting a lot of manual labor is involved.
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival runs from January 31st to February 9th.
