This week’s highlights in the Adirondacks include a Saranac Lake Winter Carnival update, a new railbiking business, a winter photo contest that takes place all month long, and more.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Cancels Closing Fireworks
The scaled-down Saranac Lake Winter Carnival kicked off with fireworks over the Ice Palace last Saturday night, but unfortunately had a problem with crowd control. Event organizers have made the tough but reasonable decision to cancel the closing fireworks that were scheduled for February 13.
However! Scroll down to the events section at the bottom for a virtual way to enjoy the palace today (Thursday the 11th).
Love Rail Biking at Revolution Rail? Here’s Another Place to Try It
Railbiking at Revolution Rail in North Creek (pictured above) has been super popular since hitting the scene in 2017. Adirondack Railroad announced this week that they will offer a six-mile railbike adventure at their location in Thendara, just outside Old Forge. They plan to open May 8, 2021.
View Looks for Submissions for Instagram Competition
Winter sports and activity enthusiasts: you’re probably taking photos while you’re out and about anyway, so check this out! The View in Old Forge has put together an Instagram photo contest called “Picturing Winter Fun” to celebrate the season in the Park.
Categories are: Humor, Ice Fishing/Shanties, Skiing, Snowshoeing/Hiking, Snow Constructions, Sledding, Snowmobiling, and Snow Creations (a kid-specific category). Each category will include three winners to be displayed in the View’s lobby during December 2021.
To submit entries, log into Instagram, follow ViewArtsCenter, and tag your photo #WinterFunPhotoContest and @viewartscenter. You have to use a Smartphone camera; you cannot use a professional camera. The deadline is April 1.
Snowmobilers – Stay Sober!
The Town of Webb has issued arrests recently as a result of a snowmobile checkpoint. Always stay safe and sober when operating a car, snowmobile, boat, vehicle, or machine of any kind. You can always visit a cozy bar after you’re done snowmobiling for the day.
Seniors in Essex County Enjoy Volunteering From Home
The Sun Community News reported on Essex County seniors feeling more isolated than ever as the pandemic continues on. At the same time, the need for volunteers is greater than ever, at least for AmeriCorps Seniors (formerly Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of Essex County.
The nonprofit that connects individuals 55 and up with volunteer opportunities in the community has recently implemented two programs: a telephone friend program and a pen-pal program, both of which help connect seniors to others. If you’re interested or know someone who is they can contact Kyle Miller at kmiller@cathcharities.org.
Events Happening This Weekend & Beyond, Virtual & In Person
Winter Wonderland Bingo
The Town of Long Lake has put together a super-fun way to enjoy the rest of winter along with a chance to win cool prizes! This is going on all month – see the details on Winter Wonderland Bingo. Skating at the Geiger Arena, pictured above, is one of the activities you can check off.
Picturing Winter Carnival: History Through Photography Collections
Historic Saranac Lake staff will present a Zoom presentation today, February 11, about how the Carnival has evolved since its inception in 1897. Registration is required.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count starts on Friday, February 12 and goes through Monday the 15th. Why not count some birds for 15 minutes while you’re out and about this weekend?
Raquette Lake Winter Carnival “Lite”
As with the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, the Raquette Lake Winter Carnival has severely cut down on activities and events; there will be fireworks on Saturday, and ice golf may be scheduled at the last minute.
Kids Grab-n-Go Crafts & Activities Pickup
The Old Forge Library is giving away craft/activity kits for kids this weekend while supplies last.
New York State’s Free Fishing Weekend
Ever wanted to try ice fishing? Looking for a cool new Valentine’s date activity? Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend!
Find more events at the events calendar >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Express: Snowmobile Checkpoints Result in Arrests
- Rochester First: Adirondack Railroad to offer 6-mile railbike adventure starting May 2021
- Sun Community News: Senior volunteers can work from home
