Adirondack residents and visitors are encouraged to shop locally this holiday season. Community events, craft fairs, small business Saturdays, and holiday-themed shopping events have been scheduled throughout November and December. Many of these community- and business-based events focus on the importance of supporting local shops, services, and restaurants throughout the holiday season by presenting unique shopping experiences, highlighting the availability of unique gift ideas, and showcasing personalized service. “Holiday stroll” events have been planned in a number of towns and villages. The events combine an opportunity to visit these communities, while taking advantage of specials at many local businesses, allowing them to check items off their gift list. Community-based craft fairs and other holiday events within the region’s communities also provide exceptional shopping experiences, while also sharing opportunities to learn about interesting small businesses and talented local artisans. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the organization supports local business by helping to promote the services and products available within the region to both visitors and residents. “Seasonal events showcase the communities and businesses within them that provide unique gift ideas, hand-crafted treasures and personalized service,” she said. "Through our annual #ShopADK campaign ROOST actively promotes small business, along with local communities throughout the Adirondack region. Shopping locally directly supports our neighbors who own and work in these establishments." Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 25, is a nationwide day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $163 billion at small businesses. Small businesses throughout Adirondack region communities offer specials, giveaways, special store events, and more. “Our local businesses are committed to ensuring that people enjoy their shopping experiences throughout the year,” commented Hooper. “Exploring our Adirondack communities and discovering unique local business is especially fun during the holidays, with many special events and activities taking place.” 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. Community Shopping Events Country Christmas Tour in Indian LakeDates: Thursday, November 23 - Friday, November 24Town/Location: Indian LakeDescription: A two-day event showcasing “Made in the Adirondacks” arts and holiday gifts. Family activities, wreath making.Website: https://www.adirondackexperience.com/events/country-christmas-tour Adirondack Christmas on Main Street in InletDates: Friday, November 24 - Sunday, November 26Town/Location: InletDescription: Downtown shops will be open and offering specials. Activities, refreshments, Santa, tree lighting.Website: https://www.adirondackexperience.com/events/adirondack-christmas-on-main-street-in-inlet-0 Speculator Holiday StrollDate: November 24, 2 - 6pmIn its 15th year, the holiday stroll invites holiday shoppers to explore the community, along with its unique shops - perfect for finding that unique gift.Website: https://www.speculatorchamber.com/events/holiday-stroll?theme=speculator Holiday Shopping and Dining Night in TiconderogaDates: Friday, December 1, 5 - 8pmTown/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. Lake Placid Holiday Village StrollDates: Friday, December 8 - Sunday, December 10Town/Location: Lake Placid Description: A Lake Placid tradition, the Holiday Village Stroll is a family and couples weekend. The event spans three days and includes a skating party, photos with Santa, a free movie showing, and scavenger hunt. Website: https://holidayvillagestroll.com/ Tupper Lake Holiday StrollDates: Friday, December 15 - Saturday, December 16, 4pm - 7pmTown/Location: Tupper Lake Description: A community event featuring specials on Park Street, a holiday movie night, and vendors at the Tupper Lake Depot.Website: https://www.tupperlake.com/events/park-street-stroll Holiday Craft Fairs Newcomb Holiday Craft Fair Dates: Saturday, November 18, 10am - 3 pm and Sunday, November 19, 11am - 2pmTown/Location: Newcomb Description: Local craft and vendor saleWebsite: https://www.adirondackhub.com/events/newcomb-holiday-craft-fair Annual Christmas Fair at First United Methodist ChurchDates: Saturday, November 18, 9am - 2pmTown/Location: Ticonderoga Description: Christmas Fair featuring gifts, Christmas decor, silent auction Website:https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/events/annual-christmas-fair-at-first-united-methodist-church Wilmington’s Holiday Craft & Gift FairDates: Saturday, November 18, 10am - 2pmTown/Location: Wilmington, Twisted RavenWebsite: https://www.whitefaceregion.com/events/wilmingtons-holiday-craft-and-gift-fair Small Business Saturday Artisan MarketDates: Saturday, November 25, 10am - 4pmTown/Location: Schroon Lake, Mountainside Bible ChapelDescription: Showcase of local vendors, silent auction, raffle, and foodWebsite: https://www.adirondackhub.com/events/small-business-saturday-artisan-market Holidays in EssexDates: Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 2Town/Location: Downtown EssexDescription: Christmas tree lighting, caroling, craft fair, performance by the Sweet Adelines, kids’ activities, pancake breakfast, cookie decorating, puppet show, and Santa. Ticonderoga Area Farmers’ Market-Holiday MarketDates: Friday, December 1, 5pm - 8pmTown/Location: TiconderogaDescription: Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market for a special Holiday Market. Vendors will be set up inside the TACC Office, offering an array of local products, gifts, raffles.Website: https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/events/ticonderoga-area-farmers-market-holiday-market Sparkle VillageDates: Friday, December 1, 4 - 8pm and Saturday, December 2, 10am - 3pmTown/Location: Harrietstown Town Hall, Saranac LakeDescription: Now in its 38th year, this annual event showcases unique businesses, distinctive holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, shoppers can visit one-of-a-kind local makers and vendors. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under the age of 12.Website: https://www.slareachamber.org/sparklevillage Craft Fair at Adirondack Community ChurchDates: Friday, December 8 - Sunday, December 10Town/Location: Lake Placid Description: Local craft fair, bake sale 3rd Annual North Pole at Hunter Way FarmDates: Saturday, December 9, 12pm - 3pmTown/Location: MoriahDescription: Farm animals, hot chocolate, elves, photos with Santa, gift shop Holiday Fair at Oak MountainDates: Saturday, December 9, 1pm - 7pmTown/Location: Oak Mountain, SpeculatorDescription: Live music, activities for kids including gingerbread houses, face painting, and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Shopping from various vendors and the festival of trees.Website: https://www.adirondackexperience.com/events/holiday-fair-at-oak-mountain Holiday Business Events My Hope Flower Farm Holiday Open HouseDates: Friday, November 17 - Saturday, November 18, 9am - 6pmTown/Location: TiconderogaWebsite: https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/events/my-hope-flower-farm-holiday-open-house Vendor Sale at Tromblee’s GreenhouseDates: Saturday, November 18, 10am - 4pmTown/Location: Crown PointDescription: Discounts, vendor saleWebsite: https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/events/vendor-sale-at-tromblees-greenhouse McClelland Family Farm Opening - Christmas at the FarmDates: Friday, November 24, 5pmTown/Location: Tupper Lake - 107 Old Wawbeek RoadDescription: The farm is turning into a Christmas wonderland. Trees, boughs, wreaths, Christmas decor, and more will be for sale. Kick off your holiday season with lights and magic at the farm.Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094581903672 Tromblee’s Greenhouse Christmas Open HouseDates: Saturday, December 2 - Sunday, December 3, 10am - 4pmTown/Location: Crown PointDescription: Door prizes and discounts, kids craftsWebsite: https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/events/tromblees-greenhouse-christmas-open-house T.F. Finnegans Ladies' Night | Gentlemans’ Night Dates: Thursday, December 7th and Thursday, December 14th, 7pm - 9pmTown/Location: T.F. Finnegans, 79 Main Street, Saranac LakeDescription: Ladies Night | Gentleman's NightVisit during ladies night to enjoy free wine and appetizers while filling out a personalized wish list. Then, send your beau to the subsequent gentleman's night on December 14 so they can enjoy beer and snacks while they shop your list. Website: https://www.tffinnigan.com/ Event listing(s): https://www.saranaclake.com/events/ladies-night-at-t-f-finnigans | https://www.saranaclake.com/events/gentlemans-night Kids’ Shopping DayDates: Sunday, December 3, 12pm - 5pmTown/Location: BluSeed Studios, 24 Cedar Street, Saranac LakeDescription: Visit with kids of all ages to shop for fun and inexpensive gifts from the holiday shoppe, stroll through the decorated trees, enjoy the hot chocolate bar and decorate cookies.Website: https://www.bluseedstudios.org/festival-of-trees

The Adirondack region has been included in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual list of places to visit. Upstate New York was recognized as one of the “24 Places to Go in 2024,” with the Adirondack region, along with area attractions and hotel properties receiving specific mention. Upstate New York is one of 24 destinations featured in the magazine’s annual roundup and one of three North American destinations included on the list, along with Santa Fe, New Mexico and Quebec, Canada. Other locations featured in “24 Places to Go in 2024” include: Budapest, Hungary; French Polynesia; the Kimberley, Australia; Kobe, Japan; Mauritius; Madagascar; South and Central Sri Lanka; and South Island, New Zealand. The Upstate New York section of the Condé Nast feature provides information about both the Hudson Valley and the Adirondack regions. According to Communications Manager Jane Hooper, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) maintains relationships with travel writers at a number of publications, locally and throughout the nation, to encourage story development. “We have previously worked with this writer several times, sharing information and story ideas, so she is very familiar with what the Adirondacks offers its visitors,” she said. “During conversations with her this past fall, we discussed the possibility of presenting the idea of including the Adirondacks within this particular Condé Nast Traveler issue. She reached out to us this past September to confirm that the region would be included and to acquire some additional information so that she could present a succinct and representative summary.” Condé Nast Traveler editors, in the story’s introduction, state: “In considering the destinations that excite us the most for 2024, there’s an overarching sense of possibility … boutique hotels, wellness resorts and other offerings are being forced to carefully consider what it means to be relevant and exciting, but also sustainable … for months we have researched, debated, and vetted, from a large pool of fantastic cities, regions and countries with new reasons to visit. The result is this: our definitive guide to the 24 best places to go in 2024 … places that we believe should be on every traveler's radar for the year ahead. ” According to ROOST Chief Operations Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, the Adirondacks is a travel destination that is on par with premier destinations around the world; places that travelers aspire to visit in their lifetime. “We are excited to have the Adirondacks included on this list of amazing places to visit,” she commented. “Having the Adirondack region recognized by Condé Nast Traveler reinforces that the Adirondack region is seen as a world-class destination by travel experts.” The Adirondack region-specific section of the story focused on its location and size, encompassing one-fifth of the northern part of the state; along with its myriad of outdoor adventure opportunities, lodging options and various attractions. Stargazing at Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory in Tupper Lake, the Adirondack Rail Trail, which is currently under construction, and the new ski lift at Whiteface Mountain were included as exciting and new activities in the area, along with ROOST’s solar eclipse-focused website which shares educational and safety information regarding the upcoming celestial event. The Lodge at Schroon Lake and the newly-opened NewVida Preserve in Wilmington were also prominently featured. Hooper explained that ROOST works with writers and editors at magazines, news outlets and online publications to proactively share story ideas about the Adirondacks. The team also provides specific information to writers and editors who reach out for assistance with story development. “ROOST undertakes a media relations strategy as part of its overall marketing effort,” she said. “Writers develop their stories, often with input from our team, that ultimately present the Adirondacks to their audiences. These individual stories collectively add to the public understanding of the Adirondacks - the ‘story’ of the Adirondacks is told through these features and articles, shared on a consistent basis. The story — the public understanding — is then reinforced through ROOST’s advertising and social media campaigns, encouraging potential visitors to begin planning their own Adirondack adventure.” Read the Condé Nast Traveler feature story “24 Places to Go in 2024.”

The Conference Center at Lake Placid is set to welcome eleven upcoming conferences, currently scheduled throughout 2024 with approximately 4,000 total attendees, representing 6,100 room nights. By way of comparison, there were eight conferences throughout 2023. The conferences in 2023 welcomed 2,700 conference attendees; accounting for 4,600 room nights and more than $795,000 in hotel room and conference center revenue. The conference schedule kicks off in mid-January with the New York State Academy of Family Physicians Conference taking place over three days. April and May 2024 welcomes a number of organizations to Lake Placid including: New York State Snowmobile Association / SLED Education back in town for its second consecutive year, along with the NYS Library Association which is making its return to the region after a few years. The New York Small Business Development Center and CSEA Occupational Health and Safety have also scheduled their conferences in Lake Placid during late May. While conferences are typically scheduled in the spring and fall, in 2024, there are a number of conferences scheduled throughout June and July, typically during the midweek timeframe. SUNY Technology, FEH BOCES Leadership, and Rural Schools Association of New York State will each be hosting conferences in June and July. Rally North America will also visit the region during its annual fundraiser on July 8 as 60 cars travel through the Northeast, from Syracuse to Maine; its participants taking part in a scavenger hunt, noting various venues, attractions and other points of interest throughout the Adirondack region. The 2024 conference schedule continues in the fall with the NY Highway Safety Symposium and School Administrators Association of NYS conferences both taking place during late October. Hannah Sappah, ROOST group sales coordinator, works to identify potential opportunities for conferences, corporate retreats and meetings. She works with conference planners at a variety of organizations to secure, schedule and plan these events. During the proposal stage, as well as during the conference, she works closely with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) conference center staff and the region’s lodging properties to assess conference requirements, develop the proposals for space requirements, hotel accommodations and schedules. During the event, ORDA’s conference center staff and Sappah are on-hand to assist. According to Sappah, the attraction of conferences and group business to the Lake Placid region represents a significant aspect of ROOST’s marketing strategy. “Our role, in collaboration with ORDA involves cultivating relationships with organizations and their event planners, presenting and encouraging Lake Placid as a destination for annual meetings, conferences, events, and retreats,” she said. Event planners work many years in advance of their event, as the planning, details and travel logistics can take some time to finalize. With limited space available on the 2024 conference calendar, some last-minute event arrangements may become solidified. ROOST and ORDA are currently working with corporate event planners to secure dates on the 2025-26 conference calendar. Sappah explained that many corporate event planners are excited to offer Lake Placid as a conference option to their organization. “I have had so many planners recently say how excited they are to get back to Lake Placid! Many groups haven't been here in a number of years and can't wait to get back,” she commented. Conferences are most often scheduled to capitalize on Lake Placid’s “shoulder seasons” - the weeks and months between the busy winter, summer, and fall. These events help to support lodging properties, restaurants and local attractions, supporting ROOST’s commitment to supporting local businesses. According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, Lake Placid is a popular location for meetings. “We are always excited to bring event and group travel business to the region,” she said. “These events provide an inherent marketing opportunity for the region, showcasing the Adirondacks, and the community of Lake Placid, which is a destination that many people aspire to visit. We know that an attendee’s positive experience in Lake Placid can drive future visits.” In addition to direct benefits from each meeting scheduled, the region also benefits when attendees visit local restaurants and attractions. Event attendees often bring family members who can explore the area during conference hours. Many people take advantage of the come-early-stay-late option to extend their stay. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, including the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.

Saranac Lake has finalized its event and performer lineup for this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration. North Country New Year, the re-named and family-friendly celebration taking place in Saranac Lake on December 31 will feature live performances, activities, local food, comedy shows, and fireworks from 5:00 pm - 12:00 am. Admission to the events is $20, $15 for seniors and free for children 18 and under. Entertainment and music will be provided by local, regional and out-of-town performers including the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, contortionist Alakazam, authentic Latin musicians Mal Maiz and Smoke Show Fire Co., along with many other performers from across the region will be showcasing their talents at many venues throughout the Saranac Lake community. The complete event lineup can be found at: NorthCountryNewYear.com. Music, concerts and choirs will be found throughout the village. Harrietstown Town Hall, St. Bernard’s Church, and Will Rogers will host jazz, Latin rock, folk and gospel performers throughout the evening. Pendragon Theatre will feature improv and stand up comedy, while Harrietstown Town Hall, Saranac Free Library, Adirondack Carousel, Berkeley Green and Riverside Park will showcase circus acts, clowns and fire dance performances. Saranac Lake Civic Center is offering ice skating, salsa dance lessons are taking place throughout the evening at Dance Sanctuary, and drop-in art classes will be available at ADK ArtRise. Food vendors, hot chocolate, face painting and many other activities will be available throughout the evening. “We are really excited about this year’s entertainment lineup,” said Organizing Committee Member, Kenzie Marine. “Music, art, dancing, food, comedy, ice skating and fireworks will celebrate the diverse art and cultural offerings of Saranac Lake; while fireworks will cap off the evening in traditional style as 2024 begins.” North Country New Year has produced a button that will allow access to the events and performances throughout the town. The button can be purchased online ahead of the event, or upon arrival that evening at the Harrietstown Town Hall/Welcome Center. Additional information, event access button purchase, along with the entire event schedule, can be found at: NorthCountryNewYear.com. The mission of North Country New Year (NCNY), previously known as First Night Saranac Lake, is to plan and execute a substance-free, family-friendly New Year's Eve experience for those in Saranac Lake, along with those visiting from Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and the surrounding region. Committee members include Peter Crowley, Dave Hirshblond, Colette Hirshblond, Rachel Karp, Jordanna Mallach, Kenzie Marine, Ashley Milne, and Tracey Schrader. North Country New Year’s Schedule: Harrietstown Town Hall: Alakazam (Circus Stunts): Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Heard (World Rhythm and Jazz): Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Mal Maiz (Latin Rock): Playing from 10:30 pm - midnight St. Bernard's Church: Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir (Gospel): Two 45-minute sets from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Will Rogers: Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn (Folk): Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Pendragon Theatre: Completely Stranded (Improv Comedy): Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Moody McCarthy (Stand-up Comedy): Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saranac Lake Free Library: Bubble Trouble (Amazing Bubbles): Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Adirondack Carousel: Free Rides and Hot Chocolate: From 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Scotto the Balloon Wizard (Clowning and Balloons): Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saranac Lake Civic Center: Free Skating: From 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm ADK ArtRise: Drop-In Art Class (Make and Take Art Projects for All Ages): Anytime from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Dance Sanctuary: Salsa Dance Lessons: Four classes offered on the hour, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Berkley Green: Hot Chocolate and Smoke Show Fire Co (Fire Dance Performances): Hot chocolate served from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Two 15-minute performances at 7:45 pm - 8:00 pm and 8:45 pm - 9:00 pm Final set at Riverside Park just before the Fireworks! Riverside Park: Smoke Show Fire Co (Fire Dance Performances): Final performance in Riverside Park from 9:30 pm - 9:45 pm Fireworks: 10:00 pm

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Board of Directors approved two new members at its recent annual meeting. Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST chief operating officer, introduced Alex Madden and Jon Donk as the most recent additions to the board. “We are thrilled to welcome Alex and Jon to the ROOST board of directors,” she said. “Their business experience and local knowledge will be a huge benefit to ROOST. As we continue to focus on destination marketing and management, representation from the tourism, arts and local business sector continues to be incredibly valuable.” Alex Madden is a member of the management team at Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid. His experience spans tourism, hotel operations and economic development, having worked in a number of destinations including Santa Barbara, California; Park City, Utah and Lake Placid. His experience working in the service and hotel industry with visitors from around the world has led to his passion for the Adirondacks as an international destination. Jon Donk is the managing director of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. His experience within the arts community includes production, design, business management and fundraising. He founded LPCA’s Gallery 46, on Main Street, where he continues to serve as curator. Donk originally hails from Ithaca NY, and attended Montserrat College of Art. According to Board Chair Nick Politi, Madden and Donk fill board seats left vacant by the departure of two long-time board members, Marc Galvin and James Lemons. “We have been extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Marc and James,” he commented. “Their commitment to ROOST and its important work within our region along with their countless volunteer hours in the local community showcase their dedication to our communities and region. We thank them for sharing their professional insight, expertise, and unwavering service in helping to direct the organization.” According to ROOST CEO Jim McKenna, the board of directors is responsible for setting the organization’s overall direction. “The board focuses on ROOST’s strategic goals and on its high level initiatives,” he said. “This mission of the organizations is always at the forefront of decisions and plans that are developed and implemented.” The ROOST board of directors also elected its officers for 2024, three of whom will serve for a second year including: Nick Politi, chair; Chandler Ralph, vice chair; Hillarie Logan-Dechene, secretary. Garrick Smith will serve as treasurer. Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) officers will serve in their executive role for one year; each term is three years, and ROOST board members can serve a maximum of three terms. Each board member represents a different industry and region of the Adirondacks. Additional ROOST board members include: Lisa Hess-Marks from Schroon Lake, Joe Gehm representing Tupper Lake, Jodi Gunther from Saranac Lake, Mark Jessie from Tupper Lake, Leslie Karasin from Saranac Lake, and Mariann Rapple representing the Lake Champlain Region.