Editor’s Note: Since this article was published the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has asked that folks do not attend the limited activities this year unless you are local. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!
There are updates on sporting events, an important message from the DEC, lots to report in the arts community, and you can scroll to the bottom for where to see fireworks this weekend and more events in the Adirondacks.
Hockey News in Lake Placid With Pond Hockey Tournament & NWHL
The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported that a tractor fell through Mirror Lake last Saturday. While the driver is thankfully unhurt, he had been preparing the lake for the Can-Am Pond Hockey Tournament scheduled for this weekend, and now the ice is unarguably unsafe. The tournament has been tentatively rescheduled for February 26 to 28, pending approval from the Essex County Health Department.
In addition, according to a tweet from the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL and Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) have agreed to suspend the remainder of the 2021 season in Lake Placid due to recent positive COVID tests among players.
DEC Advises on Avoiding Coyote Conflicts (for People & Pets)
The DEC has issued guidance on preventing conflicts between people and coyotes, which are more likely to happen between now and March, during their breeding and pup-rearing seasons.
The Eastern coyote can hang out anywhere from farmlands and forests to more suburban or urban areas across the state. Those in more populated areas tend to avoid conflicts with people, however, we still want to be cautious, especially when it comes to pets.
Do: prevent access to garbage, fence or enclose compost piles, and eliminate availability of bird seeds. Do not: feed coyotes, leave food outside, feed pets outside, or allow coyotes to approach humans or pets.
If you do encounter a coyote, assert your aggressiveness by standing tall, holding your arms up or out, and making yourself appear as large as possible. If the coyote lingers, take it up a notch by waving your arms and making loud noises. If you need help or a coyote exhibits bold behavior, call the local police department or DEC regional office.
News in the Adirondack Art World
Adirondack Artists Guild’s “The Waters Around Us” Starts Today
The new exhibit “The Waters Around Us” at the Adirondack Artists Guild includes water-themed works from the 15 members of the guild. See water represented in many forms as it appears throughout the Adirondacks. There will be paintings, photographs, pottery, and more.
The exhibit starts today, February 4, runs through March, and does not include a reception. The gallery at 52 Main Street, Saranac Lake is open 11am to 3pm Thursday through Sunday (schedule subject to change due to COVID).
NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery Announces a New Location, Virtual Juried Show
As of the first of the month, NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery is settled in and open at their new location at 62 Main Street in Saranac Lake (they were formerly at 11 Woodruff Street). They have exhibits up and art for sale during regular business hours, and gallery artists will be sitting in from 11am to 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.
The new spot allows for expanded hours, easy parking, and a more centralized location in town. Gallery hours are 12pm to 8pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 9am to 12pm Wednesday, 11am to 8pm Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm Sunday.
Should you not be able to visit in person, you can check out their virtual juried show, “The Healing Wilderness,” up on their website now. Pieces are available for purchase.
Call for Entries: 40th Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors
View Arts in Old Forge has initiated a call for entries for the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, now in its 40th year. The event takes place in August and September, and submissions are due by April 1. You can find the submission form here: https://www.viewarts.org/assets/Uploads/2021-ANEAW-Prospectus.pdf
Call for Entries: Unprecedented: Artists Respond to 2020
This is also from View Arts – they want to see what artists created when they may have had limited materials, but maximum time. The submission deadline for this one is April 26, and you can find info on their website under Upcoming Exhibitions.
See Winter Events & Plan Ahead for Valentine’s Day
Opening Fireworks for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
The scaled-back Saranac Lake Winter Carnival starts this Saturday, February 6. The fireworks will be set to music and transmitted to vehicles. There will be no standing in front of the Ice Palace, and you’ll be able to see the fireworks from all around the Palace’s perimeter. Event organizers are asking folks to remain in their cars. Visit SaranacLakeWinterCarnival.com for more info.
Here’s what else is going on:
Two Fishing Derbies:
- Northern Challenge Fishing Derby: Saturday, February 6, Tupper Lake, spectators welcome
- Lake George Ice Fishing Challenge: All February, any waterbody in Warren County
Ongoing Winter Events:
- Lake George Area Winterfest: Each weekend in February
- Wild Lights: Weekends at The Wild Center (Wild Walk open year-round, and they’ll be open daily February 12 – 20)
- Snowshoeing at Up Yonda Farm: Guided snowshoe hikes every Saturday in February
Looking Ahead – Valentine’s Day Events:
- Share the Love: Virtual concert February 12 – 14 with Jim Brickman, proceeds benefit View Arts
- Valentine’s Weekend at Campfire: February 12 – 14, three-course dinner at Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar at Hotel Saranac
Find more Valentine’s Day fun >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Pond hockey tourney postponed as tractor falls through Mirror Lake ice
