Saranac Lake has been a home base for Adirondack adventures since the mid-19th century. Today, the town's outdoor activities, events, and artisan community make it one of Upstate New York’s can't-miss destinations.
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been a top winter event in the Adirondack Mountains since it began 120 years ago. It attracts thousands of people from the region and beyond over the course of ten days. This year’s theme is "Adirondack Wildlife, " and attendees will get to see art and entertainment influenced by local wildlife. Patrons will encounter a spectrum of family friendly activities that include a chocolate festival, fun run, live music concert, parade, fireworks display, and more. The crowning attraction at the event is the Ice Palace, which volunteers build by using ice blocks from Lake Flower. We got the chance to interview carnival representative, Colleen O’Neill, about the family-friendly winter celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CO: The Carnival has been in existence since 1897! It's our 120th year!
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CO: It's hard to judge since most of our events are free and open to the public. We don't charge admission to the Ice Palace and don't have entrance gates to the event. It's open 24 hours a day and filled with people at all times.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
CO: We typically see families with children, couples, and singles too. We get all ages because everyone wants to see our amazing Ice Palace and have fun at our events.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CO: Our Ice Palace is the most unique aspect of the event. We harvest our ice right from the lake, and we've been doing it this way for a long time with some of the same antique hand tools! It's a tradition that visitors want to see for themselves. We also have sporting events that no one has seen or heard of before like mini golf in the snow and fry pan toss contests. Our parade has many unique acts that you won't believe!
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
CO: Check out our schedule, and you'll see that no two days during the festival are the same. There are so many different things to do that you'll occasionally have to choose between activities! It's all very different too, from traditional sporting events to non-traditional events to live music.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
CO: Every year Garry Trudeau, creator of Doonesbury, designs our fundraising button and poster for the benefit of Winter Carnival. He doesn't make an appearance himself, but his work does! He's been graciously doing this for the carnival since 1981!
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
CO: There are many high-quality restaurants in and around the downtown area, plus food vendors nearby our attractions.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
CO: It's fun, energizing and overall a great crowd to be around, whether you're a spectator or participant. There is always a buzz around you with people taking photos, walking through town, and experiencing our beautiful architecture and shopping; and of course enjoying the Ice Palace!
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CO: We have many family owned motels right across the street with a view of the Ice Palace. We have cabins along the lake and in the forests, B&Bs, and many other unique small town feel lodging.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
CO: It is something we all look forward to every year and have been since 1897. We live in a harsh climate where winters are long and extreme, and the carnival helps us to get out of the house and enjoy winter while spending time with our community. We elect "royalty" during the carnival, which consists of community members who are known for their volunteerism and community spirit. We also vote on a theme each year for the carnival.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CO: Absolutely, we are a small village with mostly family owned small businesses that rely on the carnival each year.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CO: Visitors will see things here that they have never seen before, like our Ice Palace. It's an opportunity to be part of an unforgettable experience and feel like part of our community. Saranac Lake is a welcoming community, and though it's cold, the people and our traditions will warm your heart.
For more information about the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, please visit their website.
Photo Credit: Mark Kurtz, Saranac Lake, NY