Survey developed by the Climate Smart Communities Task Force The Village of Saranac Lake’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force is asking for input regarding the local government’s environmental initiatives to curb the effects of the changing climate. Community members are encouraged to complete a survey that will be sent via email, available for pickup at various locations throughout Saranac Lake, and will be available here. Completed surveys will be accepted until September 30. The task force, a group of community leaders, residents, and business owners tasked with assisting the village to achieve NYS Climate Smart Communities certification, has developed the survey to gauge public sentiment regarding its environmental- and climate-focused initiatives within the local government’s day-to-day operations. The survey will gauge public opinion about the Village of Saranac Lake’s plans for enacting various initiatives within its government departments. Survey respondents will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts about the plans through a series of open-ended questions within the survey. In 2018, the Village of Saranac Lake board of trustees unanimously adopted a resolution to take part in the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge. The resolution included a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a task force to prepare the village and its residents for impacts of a changing climate. The resolution included specific steps that Saranac Lake’s government departments could enact right away, including an ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction target. To date, the village has made significant progress, achieving a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in municipally-owned buildings. As a direct result of those actions, the village became one of New York’s first Bronze Certified Climate Smart Communities in 2020; it was re-certified in 2024. According to Task Force Chair Garrett Marino, the next phase of the Climate Smart Communities pledge is to develop a plan for continued action regarding climate-supporting initiatives. “Saranac Lake’s plan will serve as a roadmap for building a sustainable, climate-responsive municipality. This plan, currently in draft form, focuses on government operations and includes specific and measurable goals,” he said. “Community members should know that by completing the survey, they will be directly contributing to the plan - their feedback will be used to re-evaluate and enhance elements of the draft plan. The tabulated results will also become part of the plan, showing residents’ support of the various initiatives.” The Village of Saranac Lake Climate Action Plan Draft outlines a set of climate-friendly initiatives including building and lighting updates, along with transportation upgrades. The village is planning for various energy programs including obtaining additional power from the dam at Lake Flower and partnering with Clarkson University’s small-profile wind program to generate power on Mount Pisgah - initiatives that will help the village achieve the state’s silver designation. According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 445 communities have adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge. Along with the Village of Saranac Lake, 147 other communities have achieved bronze status and 21 have reached silver status, the program’s highest level of certification. Locally, the towns of Lake Placid and Jay have also achieved bronze certification. The CSC Task Force meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Harrietstown Town Hall, second floor, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Read more about the CSC program in Saranac Lake here.

The second annual High Peaks Harvest Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18 from 12 - 4 p.m. at Berkley Green in downtown Saranac Lake. The harvest festival is a celebration of fall in the region, and the kickoff to the Saranac Lake Farmers Market moving from Riverside Park to Hotel Saranac for the winter months. The farmers market will take place outside at Hotel Saranac beginning at 10:00 a.m. Beginning at noon, Berkeley Green will welcome vendors and exhibitors, food trucks, local beverage producers, and food purveyors. Activities will take place throughout the afternoon including balloon sculptures, pumpkin decorating, and a bounce house for kids. The fire department will have a truck stationed at the event so that children can learn about the equipment and experience the thrill of sitting in the driver’s seat. Live music begins at 1:00 p.m. featuring Midnight Stargazers. The trio will share its blend of classic country, country folk, and country rock. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, settle on the grass, and enjoy the music all afternoon. Representatives from local brewery Hex & Hop, along with Adirondack Mobile Bar will be on-site at Berkley Green, while Gristmill Distillery will be offering its products at its location in the farmers market. Food trucks, including Mountain Munchies, Waffle Cabin, and Mountain Chef will be serving sandwiches, soups, and waffles. According to Katrina Glynn, Saranac Lake community development director, organizers have built on the success of last years’ event. “The festival brings food, beverages, art, music, and local crafts together in a celebration of the season,” she said. “Visitors will be able to speak with artisan vendors, savor farm-fresh bites, sip seasonal craft drinks, and enjoy live performances throughout the day. When you add in the gorgeous fall colors in the background, it’s everything we love about fall in the Adirondacks.” The harvest festival will be hosted rain or shine; in the event of rain, the event will take place at Hotel Saranac. Participants are encouraged to bring cash for the farmers market. Additional details can be found by visiting SaranacLake.com/events.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is seeking feedback from residents and business owners within Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the villages of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, regarding their perception of how tourism affects the economy and impacts the region. The survey will be distributed to business owners and local residents through email and via social media channels, with responses collected throughout October. A link to the survey can be found here. The survey will capture business owners’ and residents’ perceptions, opinions, and overall sentiment about a number of topics related to tourism within the region. It will collect information about ways in which the local tourism economy benefits local communities with regard to local services, business success, job creation, and overall quality of life—including its relationship to housing, employment, population, and impacts of marketing the area to outside regions. Many questions are structured to elicit an “agree” or “disagree” response, while the final survey questions are open-ended to encourage respondents to share information that may not have been asked within the survey. According to ROOST COO Mary Jane Lawrence, the organization is committed to continuously enhancing processes and refining its scope of work to help ensure that communities benefit from the tourism economy. One important way that it measures its progress toward that goal is by conducting and analyzing tourism-focused research. “ROOST is focused on creating a sustainable tourism economy that supports the Adirondacks—economically, socially, and environmentally,” she said. “We actively seek community input on a regular basis to assess efforts, measure success, and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement or changes. Understanding local sentiment is key to balancing tourism's impact with community needs. This annual survey helps identify areas of concern, allowing us to manage tourism more effectively and plan for the future.” According to Layne Dowdall, data and paid media strategist at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, ROOST is hoping that many local residents will complete the survey. "The more people who take the survey, the clearer picture we’ll have of how our communities feel about the impact of tourism,” she said. “We’re encouraging anyone who receives the survey link to share it with family and friends in their community.” The 31-question survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who take part will be registered for a chance to win a VISA gift card, valued at $100.

Community event organizers are encouraging Adirondack residents and visitors to support the region’s small businesses by shopping locally this holiday season. Small Business Saturday will take place on November 29; dedicated to supporting small businesses and by encouraging people to shop in their local communities. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s (ROOST) annual #ShopADK campaign promotes small businesses throughout the Adirondacks during the holiday season, supporting the region’s communities, business owners, and their employees. The campaign provides free promotional tools for businesses while encouraging everyone to shop at the region’s small businesses. Community and business-based special events offer unique shopping experiences along with interesting gift ideas and boasting personalized service. These celebrations and holiday-themed shopping events have been scheduled throughout November and December. According to ROOST COO Mary Jane Lawrence, residents and visitors to the region are often intrigued by the unique gift ideas available at local businesses and feel a sense of pride by supporting the area’s small business owners. “Retailers generally experience 40% of annual sales between October 1 and December 31,” she said. “Holiday shopping events provide a great opportunity to showcase local communities and support our smaller, privately-owned retailers that offer items that may not be available at larger stores or online retailers.” “Holiday Stroll” events and other community-focused shopping and dining opportunities have been planned in several towns and villages throughout the region; many of which align with Small Business Saturday. The events combine an opportunity to visit these communities, while taking advantage of specials at many local businesses, allowing participants to check items off their gift list. “The holiday season is an excellent time to explore our Adirondack communities,” commented Lawrence. “Our local businesses go above and beyond to create memorable shopping and dining experiences, from festive shopping events to one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Supporting our local businesses and their efforts helps to foster vibrant communities.” 2025 Community Holiday Shopping Events Small Business SaturdayDate: November 29, 2025Town/Location: All regionsDescription: Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses. Communities across the Adirondacks take part in the nationwide Shop Small Movement with holiday shopping specials, giveaways, and special store events. Essex County Ticonderoga Area North Country ChristmasDates: November 29 - December 7Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: Ticonderoga area holiday events with local shopping and dining deals daily.Website: Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas Holiday Shopping and Dining Night in TiconderogaDates: December 5Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: As part of Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas, enjoy holiday shopping and dining night with promotions, specials, a holiday farmers market, live music, a parade of lights, and free raffles.Website: Holiday Shopping & Dining Night Lake Placid Holiday Village StrollDates: December 12 - 14Town/Location: Lake Placid Description: A Lake Placid tradition, the Holiday Village Stroll is a family and couples weekend set in the fairy-tale winter wonderland of Lake Placid, New York. The event spans three days and includes events like a skating party, photos with Santa, a free movie showing, and a scavenger hunt. Website: Holiday Village Stroll Christmas in Schroon LakeDate: December 13Town/Location: Schroon LakeDescription: A full day, family-oriented event including: a polar plunge, festival of trees, chamber basket raffle, craft show, live music, strolling carolers, family ornament hunt, mocktail party, decorating contest, horse and wagon rides, tree lighting ceremony, and holiday lights parade.Website: Christmas in Schroon Lake Hometown Hop & ShopDates: December 13, 3 - 6 pmTown/Location: Saranac LakeDescription: Live performances, shopping, food and kids’ activities.Website: Hometown Hop & Shop Hamilton County Country Christmas Tour in Indian LakeDates: November 28 - 29Town/Location: Indian LakeDescription: A two-day event showcasing “Made in the Adirondacks” arts and holiday gifts. Family activities and wreath making.Website: Country Christmas Tour Holiday Stroll in SpeculatorDate: November 28Town/Location: SpeculatorDescription: An all-day event to support local businesses and shop Black Friday deals. There will be a holiday market, caroling, and tree lighting to end the event.Website: Speculator Holiday Stroll Adirondack Christmas on Main Street in InletDates: November 28 - 30Town/Location: InletDescription: Downtown shops will be open and offering specials. Activities, refreshments, Santa, and tree lighting.Website: Adirondack Christmas on Main Street Tupper Lake Tupper Lake Holiday StrollDate: December 5 - 7 Town/Location: Tupper Lake Description: A community-wide celebration featuring unique shopping opportunities, vendor fairs, magical holiday light displays, art shows and entertainment, and appearances from Santa Claus.Website: Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll

Communities throughout the Adirondacks are planning to welcome residents and visitors to their local holiday craft fairs and celebrations. Many towns and villages have scheduled local craft fairs to align with community celebrations taking place on weekends throughout November and December. These seasonal events offer residents and visitors another opportunity to shop and celebrate in local Adirondack style. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism COO Mary Jane Lawrence, community-based craft fairs and other holiday-themed events provide exceptional shopping experiences, while creating opportunities to learn about interesting small businesses and talented local artisans. “These craft fairs offer unique, hand-made items that aren’t available elsewhere,” she said. “Shopping locally, especially at one of our region’s holiday craft fairs, supports local artists and their communities,” she said. “We can all make a big impact by shopping locally this holiday season.” The various community celebrations often include live music, silent auctions, artisan and vendor displays, raffles, tree lightings, various activities for kids, wreath making exhibitions, parades, fireworks and, of course, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. “The holiday season is an excellent time to explore our Adirondack communities,” commented Lawrence. “Our local artisans and event organizers go above and beyond to create memorable experiences, from festive shopping events to one-of-a-kind gift ideas and community celebrations. Supporting our local businesses and craftspeople fosters vibrant communities and allows visitors the opportunity to experience these fun, family events.” Holiday Craft Fairs Essex County Craft Fair at Adirondack Community Church Date: December 13, during Holiday Village Stroll weekendTown/Location: Lake Placid Description: Local craft fair, bake sale NCCC Annual Holiday Craft FairDates: November 23Town/Location: Saranac LakeDescription: Come shop homemade crafts, holiday gifts, home decor, and food. Christmas in the ForksDate: Saturday, December 6Town/Location: Au Sable ForksDescription: The event typically features a craft fair, wreath-making, pictures with Santa, bake sale, parade, tree lighting, and fireworks.Website: Christmas in the Forks Elevation Seasonal MarketplaceDates: November 9Town/Location: JayDescription: More than 25 vendors and artisans featuring a number of holiday gift ideas.Website: Elevation Seasonal Marketplace Westport Holiday FestivalDate: December 6Town/Location: Westport Description: Craft sale, unique shopping opportunities, free warm drinks, and caroling in the evening.Website: Westport Holiday Festival Paradox Brewery Holiday MarketplaceDate: November 29Town/Location: North HudsonDescription: Head to Paradox Brewery for an afternoon of festive fun featuring local vendors offering a variety of unique gifts and seasonal goods. Website: Paradox Brewery Holiday Marketplace Operation Santa Claus Holiday Craft Fair Dates: November 15 - 16Town/Location: Newcomb Description: Unique handmade gifts, decor, jewelry, ornaments, baked goods and music.Website: Holiday Craft Fair St. Mary’s Annual Craft Fair Dates: November 2 - 3Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: There will be hand-crafted items, Christmas selections, bake sales, and lunch available both days.Website: St. Mary’s 34th Annual Craft Fair Vendor Craft Event at ADK Healthy HubDate: November 15Town/Location: Ticonderoga, ADK Health HubDescription: Array of unique, handcrafted gifts, and delicious treats.Website: Vendor Craft Fair at ADK Healthy Hub Ticonderoga Area Farmers’ Market-Holiday MarketDates: December 5Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market is a special Holiday Market, as part of the town's Annual North Country Christmas and Holiday Shopping & Dining Night. Vendors will be set up inside the TACC office offering an array of local products, gifts, and raffles.Website: Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas Annual Christmas Fair at First United Methodist ChurchDates: November 16Town/Location: Ticonderoga Description: Gifts, Christmas decor, wreaths, silent auction, and baked goods.Website: Christmas Fair at First United Methodist Church Holiday Craft Market LunchDate: November 1Town/Location: MinevilleDescription: Holiday gifts, decor, basket raffle, and lunch.Website: Holiday Craft Market Lunch Holiday Craft & Food SaleDate: November 15Town/Location: Westport Federated ChurchDescription: Crafts and food items; lunch available.Website: Holiday Craft & Food Sale Grange & Whitcomb’s Holiday MarketDate: December 13Town/Location: WhallonsburgDescription: Food from local producers, gifts and decor from local artisans; lunch available.Website: Grange & Whitcomb’s Holiday Market Franklin County Sparkle VillageDates: December 6 - 7Town/Location: Harrietstown Town Hall, Saranac LakeDescription: Unique and distinctive holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures from one-of-a-kind local makers and vendors. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under the age of 12.Website: Sparkle Village Annual Kids Holiday Craft FairDate: December 6Town/Location: Saranac Lake Free Library, Saranac LakeDescription: Enjoy free admission and browse handmade creations from local young crafters - the perfect way to support budding artists and pick up some one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.Website: Annual Kids Holiday Craft Fair Hamilton County Speculator Region Holiday MarketDate: November 28Town/Location: Speculator, at the pavilionDescription: Unique gifts, handcrafted goods, delicious local treats, cozy knits, jams, and woodcrafts from talented Adirondack and regional artisans, crafters, and farmers.Website: Speculator Region Holiday Market Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour Crafter and Artisan MarketDate: November 28 - 29Town/Location: Indian Lake Central School; local shops/stops throughout Indian LakeDescription: Craft fair at the Indian Lake Central School, along with local artisans selling their creations throughout Indian Lake. Location maps available at the welcome center on November 27 - 28.Website: Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour Oak Mountain’s Holiday FairDates: December 6Town/Location: Oak Mountain, SpeculatorDescription: Live music, performance from the Different Drummer Dance Club, activities for kids including cookie decorating, face painting and carnival games, local artisans, various vendors, the festival of trees, and an appearance from Santa and Mrs Claus. Website: Oak Mountain's Holiday Fair Holiday Craft Fair & Tree LightingDate: November 30Town/Location: WellsDescription: The Town of Wells annual craft fair and holiday tree lighting.Website: Craft Fair & Tree Lighting - Wells Tupper Lake Tupper Lake Craft Fair & Vendor FestDates: December 6Town/Location: Tupper LakeDescription: More than 30 talented local artisans, raffle, small gift auction, snacks and an appearance by Santa.Website: Tupper Lake Holiday Craft Fair & Vendor Fest