Need something to look forward to once New Year’s is over? Break the winter chill at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival January 31st through February 9th. We still have availability in our two-bedroom cottage for the entire Carnival!
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival began in 1897, when Saranac Lake was earning its reputation as a site of healing and rejuvenation. Because of its natural beauty, with plentiful mountains and lakes, Saranac Lake provided a sanctuary for those in poor health at the time. The Pontiac Club of Saranac Lake founded the Carnival to promote outdoor sports and games. Since 1897, the Carnival has developed into a 10-day festival. It’s the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern U.S.
The Carnival includes sports, performances, parades, and fireworks. Along with traditional sports including snowshoeing, nordic and alpine ski racing, hockey games, and skating races, there are also Saranac Lake specials such as Snowflake Volleyball, Snowshoe Softball, snowy Ultimate Frisbee games, and Firemen’s Broomball. Each event is full of fun community spirit, and participants often don fancy dress for the occasion.
Alongside the sporting events are cultural activities such as concerts, performances, movie nights, and the annual Rotary Club Variety Show. Check out the full schedule of events here.
There are also a few traditions that make the Carnival unique. One of these is the Ice Palace, which is constructed every year by volunteers on the shore of Lake Flower’s Pontiac Bay. So with a palace comes a royal court! There is a coronation for the King and Queen on the first Friday night of the festival. The Saranac Lake community choose the royal couple each year for their substantial contributions to the well-being of Saranac Lake’s citizens through volunteer work.
Another long-running tradition at the Carnival is the collectable Winter Carnival button. Since 1981, the Carnival has been lucky to have Garry Trudeau, “Doonesbury” comic creator and Saranac Lake native, design the buttons and posters. This year, the theme of the Carnival is Myths and Legends. Trudeau’s signed posters for this year are available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting future Saranac Lake Carnivals.
Can’t wait to get in on the fun? We’d love to host you at GO-Cottage for the 2020 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival – book now!
