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Whiteface Mountain Region Hosts Race Events This June
The Whiteface Mountain region of upstate New York is gearing up to host a series of race events this June. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot races, along with the Wilmington Whiteface mountain bike race, take place in early June. The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run takes place a few weeks later, closer to the end of the month.
According to Michelle Preston, director of the Whiteface Visitors Bureau, the events entice participants from throughout the Northeast who love the region’s natural beauty and challenging courses. “We are so excited to host these events again this year,” she said. “The races provide an opportunity to showcase the area's rugged backcountry terrain, beautiful scenery, and abundant forests, allowing participants to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the great outdoors while participating in a sport they love.”
The events kick off with the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and Uphill Foot Race on Saturday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m.
The two races begin in downtown Wilmington and end at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks. The uphill course covers eight miles along the mountain's Veterans’ Memorial Highway, featuring an eight percent grade from base to summit, an awe-inspiring view along the route and 360-degree views from the top.
The bike race begins at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, while the runners begin a short distance away, at the intersection of highways of 86 and 431. Finish lines for both uphill races are in exactly the same place, near the summit.
The uphill bike race will welcome more than 200 riders from across the Northeast, Southern Ontario and Quebec. Spectators can count on at least a couple of riders who add to the challenge by completing the race on unicycles. Interested bike race participants can learn more by visiting whitefacerace.com/bike.
After a multiple-year hiatus, the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race will take place at the same time as the bike race; re-organized in response to public demand by those who have competed in the past. Race organizers encourage runners to utilize the clothing transportation option - participants are able to place a backpack with warm clothes into the bed of a pickup truck that brings those items to the summit, as temperatures can be 20-30 degrees cooler at the finish line. Those interested in registering or learning more about the uphill foot race are encouraged to visit whitefacerace.com/run.
The Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike race returns on Sunday, June 4, at 7:00 a.m. The course features a mix of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of smooth singletrack, and plenty of climbing, making it a challenge for mountain bike enthusiasts. The race begins in Wilmington, traversing the well-known backcountry route to Elizabethtown, another mountain bike center within the Adirondack region of upstate New York.
All participants will receive a post-race meal, finisher medal, and athlete gift. Aid stations will be located along the course, offering energy hydration, water, fruit, and light snacks. Additional information can be found at wilmingtonmtb.com.
The 6th annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run will return to the region later in the month. This fundraiser, benefitting the Wilmington Historical Society's building fund, features a 5K and 10K race. The event will begin at Preston Field in Wilmington on Saturday, June 17.
Whiskey Run participants can take part in the races and enjoy a fun festival that includes whiskey tastings and food, history displays, music, craft vendors, raffles, and entertainment. Those interested in registering for the race or learning more about the festival should visit adkwhiskeyrun.com.
The Whiteface Mountain region race events are perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and want to challenge themselves. Registration is currently open for all events. To learn more about each race and to register, visit whitefaceregion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255.
Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com
Great Adirondack Garage Sale Scheduled
The 2023 Great Adirondack Garage Sale will take place on Memorial Day weekend, May 26 - 28, within the Adirondack region of upstate New York. The event takes place throughout communities along a 200-mile trail, along NYS routes 28, 30 and 3.
The annual event has become a popular kick-off to the summer season, with residents and visitors embracing the opportunity to buy and sell unique household items, gently used home furnishings and quirky treasures.
According to Katie LaLonde, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Hamilton County and Tupper Lake marketing manager, the popular event appeals to people from within the local communities, as well as from outside the region. “This regional garage sale brings people to the region from locations throughout the northeast, with some planning a trip to the Adirondack region to take advantage of the event," she said.
The Great Adirondack Garage Sale route meanders through the communities of Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake, Piercefield, Wanakena, Newcomb, and Speculator, with additional stops at small hamlets and rural locations in-between.
LaLonde explained about visitors’ love for the region. “People visit the Hamilton County and Tupper Lake region for its big outdoor experiences, but also to visit the region’s small towns. During the Great Adirondack Garage Sale, visitors can also take part in an activity that really puts them in touch with local communities. These unique small towns are packed with character, and this event will most certainly showcase that,” she laughed.
The garage sale route can be easily followed by using one of the printed maps available within each community. The event website, GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com, also includes an interactive map that showcases sale locations. Each listing includes information about available items, entered by the seller. Those wishing to add details about their garage sale can also use the event website; using the “add your sale” section.The listing is free.
This regional garage sale originated in 2010 when the community of Long Lake coordinated its efforts with Old Forge, Inlet, and Indian Lake to promote 70 miles of garage sales. Hamilton County and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism eventually expanded and promoted the event. Contact Katie LaLonde at katie@roostadk.com to learn more about the event.
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.
Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com
Lake Placid Large Events Economic Impact Study
Review the recent study
We would like to invite you to join Greg Pepitone from Tourism Economics Inc. for the review of the recently completed Lake Placid Large Events Economic Impact Study.
What: Lake Placid Large Events Economic Impact Study
When: May 23rd at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom - https://roostadk.zoom.us/j/88312123770?pwd=S0tzNThLcVFSbmNqMkFxNk9ZVE13dz09
Tourism Economics has completed a study of the economic impact of the three largest summer events:
Lake Placid Horse Show
IRONMAN Lake Placid
Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse
Learn more about Tourism Economics Inc. here: www.tourismeconomics.com/about
Adirondack Day Showcases Adirondack Region In Albany
Representatives from throughout the Adirondacks, along with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), hosted Adirondack Day on May 8. The event, held in Albany, showcases the region's diverse economy, highlights opportunities, and thanks state officials for their ongoing support of the region.
The event served as a platform to share information about the region’s economy, attractions, history, culture of the Adirondacks and sustainable development in the region. Adirondack Day presented some of the unique experiences and opportunities available to visitors, residents, and businesses in the region.
Adirondack-themed displays and exhibits, along with representatives from throughout the region were showcased at the Legislative Office Building. The exhibits featured information about various sectors of the Adirondacks including education, art and culture, history, sustainability, tourism, sports, business and economic development; providing attendees an opportunity to learn about the economic drivers and industries within the region.
Adirondack Day also featured a reception catered by Paul Smith’s College culinary students and was attended by New York state elected officials and staff. State government leaders and elected officials, representing the Adirondack region, spoke with attendees about unique opportunities within the Adirondack region, underscored by the varied industry representatives in attendance. Each emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to ensure sustainable economic growth while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST, Adirondack Day offered an opportunity for industry representatives to share their perspectives about what makes the area so unique. “The tourism sector, educational institutions, businesses, and attractions within the Adirondacks each contribute to the overall allure of the region,” she said. “We love sharing how unique the Adirondack region is by showcasing its natural beauty along with its incredibly important economic and cultural attributes. When speaking about the Adirondacks, the sum is truly greater than its individual parts.”
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.
Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com
Lake Placid’s Community Day Scheduled And Distinguished Volunteers Of The Year Announced
The fifth annual Lake Placid Community Day celebration will take place on Sunday, June 4, from 1-4 p.m. at the North Elba Horse Show Grounds. The event features live entertainment, exhibits, activities and refreshments. Residents, seasonal homeowners, those who work in the town and those who volunteer their time and effort for various events are encouraged to attend.
The annual celebration features live music by locally based band Quantum Cosmic, featuring members of Annie and the Water. Representatives from more than 30 not-for-profit organizations will be on-hand to share information about their work within the community. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the day by representatives from the Lake Placid Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, along with a number of community-based establishments.
One important tradition of Lake Placid Community Day is the announcement of the “distinguished volunteer of the year” awards, recognizing efforts of those who have made significant and important contributions to the community. This year, three award recipients will be recognized in two categories: distinguished volunteer of the year, youth: Grace Ericson and distinguished volunteers of the year, adult: Beverley Reid and Martha Swan.
Lake Placid Community Day celebrates all who contribute to various community-based initiatives, within the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba, that enhance the quality of life for community members and visitors. It is a day to celebrate all who contribute to the community’s success.
One important aspect of Lake Placid Community Day is showcasing volunteer efforts of community members and specifically, those who choose to give their time to activities and events in the area.
According to Organizing Committee Member Val Rogers, the event celebrates the community, and especially those who work within the community throughout the year. “This event really provides an opportunity to celebrate the place and the people,” she said. “We are able to come together and acknowledge the important role that our volunteers play in the community - we are able to publicly thank those who often work ‘behind the scenes’ and selflessly give their time to help make this the special place that it is.”
Lake Placid Community Day is a joint initiative of the Lake Placid / North Elba Community Development Commission and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). Visit the Lake Placid Community Day Celebration Facebook page or for additional information.
About the organizers
The Lake Placid / North Elba Development Commission facilitates the implementation of the Lake Placid / North Elba Comprehensive Plan, which was developed in 2014.
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.
Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 | 578-6328 celljane@roostadk.com