The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting a LGBTQI+ Pride event at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on June 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and neighboring communities, along with their families, friends, supportive organizations, businesses and other allies. According to Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, the event is set to become bigger and better each year. “At the end of last year’s Pride event I said: ‘See you next year,’ and I truly meant that. We are so pleased with last year’s success,” she said. “The event, the community’s involvement, local business support, the spontaneity of certain aspects of last year’s event - it was wonderful - everyone had so much fun. Our lively, creative community really provides a beautiful backdrop.” According to organizers, a highlight of this year’s Pride event will be a parade, leading attendees through downtown Saranac Lake to Riverside Park. The parade begins at 12 p.m. near the Saranac Lake Post Office, traveling along Broadway and Main Street toward the park. The day will also feature a fashion show, presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center in collaboration with Main St. Exchange consignment store. Speakers, exhibits, music, vendors and performers will be on-hand throughout the afternoon. The event is also expected to welcome many of the region’s elected officials. “The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, I really can't stress that enough,” commented Metzgar. “Sometimes being different helps us make a real difference, because we want everyone in attendance to feel safe and welcome. While we do celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and its allies, even more importantly, we celebrate diversity and that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone.” The event has attracted a number of sponsorships from local businesses and a diverse slate of organizations that provide various resources, information and support for local community members. Event organizers are hoping to add more businesses and sponsors over the next couple weeks. “We have plenty of space for exhibitors remaining; and as I mentioned, we welcome all,” commented Metzger. “Please reach out if your organization is interested in taking part.” The all-volunteer event organizers are encouraging others to become involved, as a great deal of work still needs to be done. Those interested in volunteering should visit the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Facebook page for additional information about the Pride event, including sponsorship or volunteer opportunities: facebook.com/adkncga or email at: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com. Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with a number of local businesses to host mixer events leading up to Pride Day. Roamers recently hosted a Pride mixer on May 26; and Belvedere Restaurant is also hosting an upcoming Pride mixer on June 27. Other locations and dates will be announced as dates are finalized. The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2016 to provide resources, education, information and organize events on behalf of, and to support, the LGBTQI+ community in Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties. Each year, the organization hosts a number of local events including the Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh which takes place in October, during LGBTQI+ history month; and on the Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. ## Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662jane@roostadk.com

Lake Placid is getting ready for its annual 4th of July celebration, complete with a parade along Main Street and the Set the Night to Music fireworks extravaganza. The Lake Placid July 4th organizing committee encourages organizations, civic groups, individuals, businesses and others to participate in this year’s parade, taking place on Tuesday, July 4 at 5 p.m. Those interested in taking part should contact Catherine Ericson at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) via email: catherine@roostadk.com for additional information. Parade participants will prepare at 4:45 p.m. on Parkside Drive; parade announcers will recognize individual entries as they pass by Mid’s Park. Another activity taking place on July 4th is the Lake Placid Horse Show, with events beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. Visit the Lake Placid Horse Show page for additional information. Topping off the day is Lake Placid's legendary fireworks extravaganza, Set the Night to Music, over the enchanting Mirror Lake. Starting at 9:30 p.m., the skies will illuminate with an awe-inspiring spectacle of colors and patterns, choreographed to a musical soundtrack. Spectators can tune in to the official soundtrack live on 100.7/102.1 - LAKEfm and 105.5/95.3 FM - Adirondack 105 during the fireworks display. Visit: https://www.lakeplacid.com/events/lake-placid-july-4th for further information and updates on the Fourth of July celebration in Lake Placid. 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:Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-523-2445sydney@roostadk.com

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has released results of its recent sustainability survey, developed to assess the importance of social, economic and environmental initiatives undertaken within the Adirondack region to travelers. ROOST also shared the results of its annual leisure travel study, undertaken during the same time period, which uncovers visitor demographics and information about their travel expenditures while in the region. Both surveys analyze non-business travel to Lake Placid, Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the adjacent communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. ROOST conducts research throughout the year to identify visitor preferences and industry trends, while also assessing the impact of its marketing initiatives over time. Sustainability Survey Results of the sustainability survey indicated that roughly half of the respondents traveled from within New York state, 21 percent from within the Northeast US and others from areas farther away. Approximately 80 percent of survey respondents traveled from within a day's drive of the region. Survey respondents were asked how important sustainability factors are when planning a trip. A substantial majority (86 percent) of this group feel that sustainability is at least a moderate consideration and 26 percent feel it is a “very important” consideration. Key findings include: More than one in four respondents state that sustainability is a “very important” consideration when making travel plans. Over half of respondents indicate sustainability is an influential factor at least “often.” Travelers often seek out businesses and organizations that support other local businesses and communities. ROOST’s sustainability survey respondents believe that the Adirondack region is making significant efforts, especially considering the environmental aspect of sustainability. This finding is important, considering that 91 percent of respondents feel positively influenced by sustainability practices when making purchase decisions; more than half of respondents indicated that this is “often” a consideration. Respondents were also asked about local sustainability practices they look for when planning a vacation. 20 percent indicated that restaurants and businesses that support local farms, suppliers and artisans impact their decision to frequent those establishments. Community involvement is also essential. Business’ donations to charities and nonprofits, along with local ownership of businesses, positively impact travelers’ choice of visitation. Seventeen percent of respondents indicated that regional plans to care for, manage and limit negative impacts on the area’s hiking trails also factored into their decision about visiting a region. Environmental emissions practices such as public transportation options and the ability to drive rather than fly to an area also influence their decision making. According to Michelle Clement, director of marketing at ROOST, while sustainability has been a focus within ROOST for many years, this is the first year that a survey was conducted to gauge visitor perceptions. “Understanding the importance of sustainability practices to travelers, and how these practices impact their behavior, can help us continue to advance how we position the region. Considering that travelers look for evidence of sustainability initiatives when making travel decisions, investing in green initiatives is not only good for the environment and our overall quality of life, it is also good for business,” she explained. “Sharing information about sustainable practices is another marketing opportunity we will continue to focus on in the years ahead.” 2022 Leisure Travel StudyIn conjunction with the sustainability study, ROOST has also released the results of its 2022 Leisure Travel Study. “We base marketing initiatives on data and industry trends to optimize the impact of our efforts,” said Clement. “These two surveys provide important insights, allowing us to better understand leisure travelers, their interests and preferences.” Key findings include: Visitation from the Northeast states outside of New York remains consistent at 18 percent of respondents; visitation from outside the Northeast US increased slightly to 8 percent. Canadian visitation is rebounding with 2 percent of respondents from Quebec and 2 percent from Ontario. Increased expenditure levels were reported by 2022 visitors, compared to 2021. Twenty-three percent of respondents who visited Essex County reported visiting Olympic sites as an attraction, a sizable jump from the 17 percent reporting such interest in 2021. Results from the 2022 Leisure Travel Study saw a return to typical activities for visitors following two heavily impacted pandemic years. During the height of the pandemic, 80 percent of visitors came from within New York state, since out-of-state travel was restricted. During 2022, travel to the region from within New York returned to the pre-pandemic level (70 percent). Reported fall visitation within Essex County in September and October (29 percent) exceeded reported summer visitation in July/August (23 percent), for the second consecutive year. Those who visit the region from July through October continue to cite outdoor activities as a significant reason for visiting. Hiking remains one of the most popular activities (79 percent) across all seasons. Of those, 71 percent were interested in day hikes, 31 percent were interested in leisure or hard surface hiking, along with 24 percent interested in family hiking. Hiking within the region’s highest peaks or as part of a more challenging adventure experienced a surge in popularity from 12 percent in 2021 to 21 percent in 2022. Paddling was another important activity for approximately 35 percent of travelers, a slight increase from 2021. Other significant findings include that the majority of people (38 percent) continue to choose to stay in a hotel, motel or resort, as opposed to camping (12 percent), private rental or with family/friends. Total expenditure per trip in 2022 was approximately $1,697, with lodging, meals and shopping making up the majority of that amount. Lodging expenditure ($787) represents a 23 percent increase from 2021. Hamilton County results echoed those of Essex County, with hiking and paddling as the most popular activities, the majority of visitors hailing from within New York and from the Northeast US, an increase in average expenditure, and a marked increase in fall visitation. Hamilton County welcomed a higher percentage of campers than Essex County. The 2022 Sustainability Survey Analysis and the 2022 Leisure Travel Study can be found at RoostADK.com. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc. (LPECQD), a subsidiary of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), seeks an experienced candidate for the role of economic development director. The successful candidate will help lead and direct the implementation of key objectives of the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan 2030. The economic development director will plan, organize, and implement economic development functions within the Town of North Elba and Village of Lake Placid, including business attraction and retention initiatives, housing diversification, grant application, research, and public engagement. This position will report to the LPECQD board of directors, with primary points of contact being the co-chairs of the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan Committee (DMPC). According to local officials, the economic development director will work to attract new industries and professional services as well as leverage investments in regional sports venues and local professional expertise to expand industry segments, ongoing investment, and clusters of professional services. The position will work with the governing body to ensure a collaborative and effective approach to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for all year-round residents. “The vast majority of people in both the public and private sectors understand the benefits of a more diverse local economy,” stated Derek Doty, Town of North Elba supervisor. “This is an exciting time to introduce a professional economic development position to serve Lake Placid and North Elba.” “Eighty percent of all economic activity in Lake Placid and North Elba is tourism,” stated Village of Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin. “The community will benefit from a professional economic development entity to vary the industries in the region.” Diverse stakeholders from government, community, tourism, and economic development have come together to execute the destination management plan and support this new position. The Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan provides a 10-year road map, aligning the priorities of local government, economic development, community organizations, and residents to balance the tourism industry with community needs. The goal is to ensure a quality of life for residents that complements the quality of the place for visitors. Destination Management Plan Committee members explained that the primary objective of the plan is to diversify and optimize the local economy to provide new employment and financial opportunities for residents. Other objectives include increasing long-term resident housing diversity, addressing environmental sustainability regionally, developing a dedicated event management strategy, aligning industry investments to benefit everyone, and engaging all local and visitor audiences. “This position will work with community development leaders to audit what has been done to date, identify gaps, and source opportunities that will fit our community,” stated Emily Kilburn Politi, DMPC co-chair. “This position will work in partnership with the county and local governments to expand opportunities as well.” “Tourism is the main economic engine in the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba,” stated Dan Kelleher, DMPC co-chair. “Expanding and diversifying employment and business opportunities for residents will facilitate an improved quality of life for all Adirondack stakeholders.” The Town of North Elba and ROOST will allocate funding for the position from the Community Tourism Enhancement Fund portion (CTEF), which is derived from the additional 2% occupancy tax implemented in 2020. ROOST, as a destination marketing and management organization, supports new community initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and the visitor experience. “Destination development and management is an important component of ROOST’s strategic plan,” stated Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST COO. “ROOST will be supporting this new position to ensure sustainability of our region.” “The committee will work to address the six pillars within the plan with priority on economic development which includes the housing industry,” stated Darcy Rowe Norfolk, Olympic Regional Development Authority director of communications.” “We are working together to achieve shared goals.” Interested candidates should apply through Indeed at: ROOST Economic Development Director About Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc. Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc., a subsidiary of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), is a not-for-profit organization established to promote, educate, and foster quality destinations which will result in economic growth and benefit for the townships within Essex County, New York. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Lake Placid and Essex County, Hamilton County, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake in New York. About the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan The destination management plan was initiated by the Town of North Elba, Village of Lake Placid, and ROOST in 2019. The process began with an empirical destination assessment based on a comprehensive survey of public and private stakeholders. Results identified opportunities and challenges for the community emanating from tourism as well as a series of prioritized action items. The process involved a year of community engagement that included one-on-one interviews, focus groups, visioning workshops, and town hall meetings. This outreach was supplemented with an extensive review of existing research and planning documents to ensure the strategies in the destination management plan align and support other community goals. Throughout the entire process there was a general consensus that quality of life in the community won’t be improved in the future if the challenges identified in the plan are not addressed. The plan seeks to unify the community around shared goals and defined outcomes. The two most prominent themes in the plan are about diversifying economic development and expanding housing options for full-time residents. Members of the Destination Management Plan Committee include: Emily Kilburn Politi (co-chair), Town of North Elba; Dan Kelleher (co-chair), New York State Adirondack Park Agency; Jackie Kelly, Village of Lake Placid; Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST; Darcy Norfolk, Olympic Regional Development Authority; Tim Seymour, Lake Placid School District; Lori Fitzgerald, Town of North Elba and Village of Lake Placid Community Development Commission; and James Lemons, Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

The Adirondack Railroad is offering three extraordinary train rides, providing unforgettable experiences that combine the best of railway travel and exploration. The trains depart from Thendara, Utica, and Tupper Lake providing excursions to and from the Tupper Lake area throughout summer and fall. The Adirondack Mountaineer and the High Peaks Limited transport passengers to Tupper Lake, from Utica and Thendara, encouraging visitors to discover Tupper Lake’s attractions, restaurants, shops and activities. The Tupper Lake Explorer provides a round trip journey from Tupper Lake to Sabattis. The Adirondack Mountaineer departs from Thendara, New York at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays throughout the summer and fall, transporting passengers over rivers and streams and through evergreen forests to Tupper Lake. Travelers have the unique opportunity to spend a 4.5-hour layover in downtown Tupper Lake visiting the town’s local restaurants, shops, and attractions. This summer, the Adirondack Railroad Preservation Society is partnering with Tupper Lake Central School District to provide buses for passengers during the Adirondack Mountaineer’s layover, providing transportation to the Park Street business district or the Wild Center, a family-friendly natural history museum that shares the story of the Adirondacks, complete with an elevated trail for visitors to climb across the treetops. The bus provides round-trip transportation to and from these local attractions for rail passengers. The Tupper Lake Station also offers 2-hour railbike excursions, another option for exploring the area as visitors can continue along the local rail line. Riders can pedal a 7-mile round trip route along the rails while taking in spectacular views of the Raquette River. Railbike excursions are available everyday in the summer and weekends through September and October. Passengers should visit adirondackscenicrailbikes.com to reserve a railbike excursion ahead of their visit. According to Katie LaLonde, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Tupper Lake marketing manager, the Tupper Lake area offers exciting opportunities in its downtown area. “Tupper Lake is a vibrant community,” she said. “The restaurants, activities, waterfront, events and attractions sometimes take visitors by surprise. There is so much to see and do in Tupper Lake, whether it be a concert, a baseball game, a visit to the Wild Center, visiting one of the most popular Adirondack breweries, or meandering along Main Street, Tupper Lake is a fantastic place to discover.” The High Peaks Limited train offers a similar route with an additional starting point, further away in Utica, with a 1.5-hour layover in Tupper Lake. This route was renewed last fall for the first time in 57 years; this summer, it will provide trips on July 22, August 19 and October 14. This scenic ride offers a full day adventure beginning at 8:30 a.m. from Utica or at 11:00 a.m. from Thendara, arriving in Tupper Lake at 1 p.m. Passengers will have an hour and a half layover in Tupper Lake before heading back to Thendara or Utica at 2:30 p.m. Those who choose to disembark for lunch can visit Tupper Lake’s charming restaurants, many within walking distance of the train station. First-class and diamond-class ticket holders can enjoy additional amenities, such as a complimentary beverage, hors d’oeuvres, and seating in the Dome car, which offers 360-degree views. The cafe car will also be available for coach customers. The Tupper Lake Explorer invites passengers on a two-hour train ride from Tupper Lake to Sabattis, immediately returning to its starting point. This enchanting journey starts at 12:30 pm on Sundays throughout the summer and fall. It crosses the Raquette River, small Adirondack lakes, and expansive marshes. Passengers will be able to spot the ruins of an old mill or catch a glimpse of the fire tower atop Mt. Arab. The Tupper Lake Explorer offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and explorers of all ages. Adirondack Railroad’s rail experiences provide transportation to and from villages that provide travelers with unique experiences. Visit www.adirondackrr.com for reservations and additional information. About Adirondack Railroad The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), operator of the Adirondack Railroad aims to preserve and restore rail service between the High Peaks region, Central New York and beyond via rail connections in Utica. ARPS partners with communities and businesses along the line to promote the railway and as an economic development driver while offering historical and environmental education opportunities. Contact:Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-831-5375sydney@roostadk.com