The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting its third annual LGBTQI+ Pride event at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on Sunday, June 30 from 12 p.m. 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 has become incredibly popular in Saranac Lake. “Last year, we welcomed so many participants and sponsors - and the number of vendors and exhibitors was overwhelming. It was an incredible day and we are set to improve on that this year,” 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, decidedly different community really provides a beautiful backdrop.” According to organizers, one of the most popular elements of the celebration is 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 Tori Vasquez, formerly of 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; quite literally, we hope that everyone comes out to celebrate with us,” commented Metzgar. “We celebrate the LGBTQI+ community, but we also celebrate its allies. Most importantly, we celebrate diversity and, by definition, 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 and we welcome all,” commented Metzgar. “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: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com. Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with Bitters and Bones, located at 65 Broadway in Saranac Lake, to host a LGBTQI+ mixer event on Tuesday June 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Other events 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 Transgender Day of Visibility in March, Small Town Pride - ANCGA Malone in early June, the Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh taking place each fall during LGBTQI+ history month; and on the Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.

After a nationwide search, The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has named Dan Kelleher as its next President and CEO, following the retirement of James McKenna, who served in the role for 42 years. Most recently, Kelleher served as the Special Assistant for Economic Affairs at the New York State Adirondack Park Agency, where he assisted in the entitlements of more than $700 million in real estate development projects, established two programs to assist communities with economic development planning, and served on numerous local and regional economic and community development committees. In November of 2023, ROOST established a search committee comprising past and present Board members to lead the robust hiring process. Together with national search firm, SearchWide Global, 20 applications were received from across the country, with 8 interviewed for the position. This role is responsible for accomplishing the Destination Marketing and Management Organization’s (DMMO) efforts to market and communicate the attributes of the region, while ensuring measurable benefits to the communities served, including Essex County, Hamilton County, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. Kelleher brings with him experience in both the public and private sector, serving in a variety of fields including market analysis, sales and marketing, business development, finance, government relations, and negotiation. In addition to his 12 years with the NYS Adirondack Park Agency, Kelleher previously served as the Business Development Manager for the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. In this role, Kelleher helped attract over $43 million in private residential development that quadrupled the existing downtown housing stock and assisted in the recruitment of three high-growth technology firms. In addition, Kelleher has founded two global enterprises based in the Adirondacks. As Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, and Board Member of Create Orthotics and Prosthetics, an angel-backed medical technology firm, Kelleher developed the sales and marketing strategies that led to distribution of the company’s software and hardware on six continents prior to being acquired by PVA Medical in 2019. The company’s technology is still in use across the world including at military hospitals in Ukraine. At Adirondack Field, an American-made apparel company, Kelleher has overseen product, positioning, and marketing strategies that have generated sales in 37 states (and use on all seven continents) and doubled revenue annually for the past three years. Dan Kelleher, incoming president and CEO of ROOST, said: “I am exceptionally honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead this organization. I look forward to building upon ROOST’s already incredible work to further drive economic benefit for the residents and governments of Essex County, Hamilton County, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. I am grateful for the opportunity to attract new residential, hospitality, and commercial development to the region while supporting the quality of life for those who already live here.” Active in the local community, Kelleher has volunteered his time as Chair of the Adirondack Health Foundation, Vice Chair of North Country Community College, Chair of Tendercare Tot Childcare Center, Treasurer of Barkeater Trails Alliance, and Board Member (Ex-Officio) of Adirondack Health. Kelleher has a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master of Regional Planning degree with a Real Estate minor from Cornell University. Nick Politi, chair of ROOST’s Board of Directors, said: “The Board is grateful for the strong foundation built by James McKenna during his tenure. We are excited for our organization to continue this positive momentum under the leadership of Dan Kelleher. This decision positions ROOST for continued growth and success, working towards our mission ‘to enrich the lives of residents and visitors by creating a tourism economy that sustains itself over time – economically, socially and environmentally.’” Sarah Wilson, search committee chair, said: “The search committee brought on the talent of a professional search firm to give national reach to the posting in order to find the best-fit candidate for our organization, and therefore, our communities. The committee was very impressed with the talent and enthusiasm of all applicants interviewed. Candidates were evaluated based on their ability to steer ROOST into its next chapter, build upon the foundation of previous leadership, and serve the needs of the region and its stakeholders. Dan Kelleher comes with a working knowledge of the Adirondack region and a strong business background, from which our communities will benefit.” Chandler Ralph, vice chair of ROOST’s Board of Directors, said: “During the interview process, Dan presented market opportunities and strategies he believes can be capitalized upon to generate new visitation across the region. Dan’s commitment to growing and leveraging tourism’s impact to generate quality of life and service provision improvements for Adirondack residents is inspiring. We look forward to benefiting from his leadership.” Kelleher reports to the Board of Directors of ROOST on all aspects of organizational operation. He will be responsible for leading the overall organization to meet and exceed the stated goals and objectives of the organization’s strategic plan. Kelleher will begin as President and CEO on July 15.

The Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) continues its 100th anniversary celebration with a series of hikes, exhibitions, community celebrations, and other events throughout the summer. Adirondack Hamlets to Huts and ADKX, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, are offering guided hikes, exhibits and information sessions for community members and visitors. Adirondack Hamlets to Huts, a nonprofit organization that has created a series of guided and self-guided community-based hut-to-hut hiking and paddling routes throughout the Adirondacks that link the region’s communities with daytime adventure and nighttime comfort, is offering a guided, supported hike of the Northville-Placid Trail the latter half of July for those interested in an immersive experience. This unique offering is designed to commemorate the milestone anniversary. According to Joe Dadey, executive director of Adirondack Hamlets to Huts, participants can choose to hike the entire length of the trail or may opt to do one or two of the four-day sections. “These hikes include the opportunity to hike with knowledgeable guides while enjoying shuttle services, traditional lodging at select locations, glamping, luggage transfer and other excursion logistics managed by our organization,” he said. “Essentially we are acting as trail angels for those who take part in these hikes.” Dadey also explained that the Northville-Placid Trail provides for one of the most remote wilderness treks in the Adirondack Park, offering an incredible experience. “This trail traverses the most central part of the Adirondack Park - it takes hikers to areas that they would never otherwise see,” he said. “The NPT 100 hikes that we are offering align perfectly with our mission, allowing us to guide people through the wilderness, while also allowing them to experience the region’s small communities. It’s the perfect blend of a true wilderness experience with local Adirondack comfort.” Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake is hosting a special two-year exhibit, featuring information about the history of the NPT, the team that developed it, residents along the trail’s route and information about how the trail is used today. It will also be offering guided outings along the trail throughout the summer, along with a series of “Tuesday Trail Talks” featuring Northville-Placid Trail experts. The museum is also planning a celebration on July 9, coinciding with the initial Tuesday Trail Talk - NPT Centennial Celebration: Half Way in Hamilton County. The event, taking place about 10 miles from the Northville-Placid Trail’s halfway point, will feature nature walks, a scavenger hunt, tour of the trail markers exhibit, campfire with s’more-making supplies and an opportunity to be part of a commemorative photo featuring 138 NPT hikers, each representing one mile of the route. Additional celebrations are being planned by celebration organizers, local towns, county officials and other organizations such as the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and the Adirondack Mountain Club, in conjunction with various Adirondack organizations and local attractions. The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is hosting a series of volunteer projects, offering people an opportunity to take part in trail maintenance alongside experienced leaders. Trail maintenance opportunities include both one-day events and multi-day projects. Celebration organizers have also planned a number of community celebrations along the route and at the trail’s end in Lake Placid. Hamilton County will host a community-based celebration on August 24 at The Inn on Piseco Lake, featuring live music, vendors, exhibits and activities. Lake Placid is also planning to host an event on September 14 at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society in Lake Placid; the official terminus of the NPT, where those completing the trail are able to sign the official register. The kickoff event took place in Northville on June 2, with county officials transferring the ceremonial Adirondack walking stick from Fulton to Hamilton county. Representatives from the governor’s office were also on hand to offer Governor Hochul’s proclamation, officially recognizing the 100th anniversary of the trail’s completion and its importance to the Adirondack landscape. Earlier this year, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) created a new website, NPT100.com, to share trail information, upcoming events, trail maintenance projects, hiker stories and nearby community information about the hiking route with those planning to hike the trail. Additional information about the trail, along with upcoming events can be found at NPT100.com. Those who wish to take part in the Adirondack Hamlets to Huts hike should contact Joe Dadey at 315-657-1320. The Northville-Placid Trail was developed in 1922 as one of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s first projects. Completed in 1924, this 138-mile route traverses the Adirondack Park, from the town of Northville to Lake Placid.

Rollout of branded materials to begin this summer; new website anticipated in early fall The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has developed a new visual identity for Lake Placid. The newly developed logo and associated brand guide were unveiled at a Business After Hours event on June 10. Updated visual identity elements include a suite of materials, including the logo, wordmark, color palette, typography, overall visual style, and photographic imagery; it also features updates to the Lake Placid brand statement, which guides various communication initiatives and associated messaging. Lake Placid’s updated visual identity program is based on data from a comprehensive survey of more than 1,700 residents, business owners, area organizations and visitors conducted in 2023. ROOST also established a committee of community stakeholders to provide insight and feedback throughout the planning and design process. The new Lake Placid logo features a monogram depicting the letters “L” and “P” in a modern, stylized fashion. The “Lake Placid” wordmark has also been updated; these two elements are intended to be used together as a logo/wordmark combination, or each can stand on its own, depending on the intended use. The new logo and wordmark also allow for a variation that incorporates “New York” to further establish the village’s specific location - something that may be particularly important when marketing the region to new visitors along with national and international markets. According to ROOST Graphic Designer Leigh Campbell, the logo’s shape provides a nod to both the landscape and the numerous activities available in Lake Placid. “The forward-slanting shape of the ‘L’ and ‘P’ suggest movement and action, while alluding to many Adirondack activities,” he said. “Some people see a mountain peak while others may see a tent, chairlift, ice skate or ski trail. We worked to develop a visual identity that truly embodies the essence of Lake Placid, both its landscape and the myriad activities it offers. The logo takes on various forms, inviting each person to interpret it in their own way. It's a symbol that belongs to the community, capable of reflecting the unique passions individuals hold for Lake Placid. Just like people can invent their own perfect day in Lake Placid, they can develop their own interpretation of the logo, based on what means the most to them.” The Lake Placid website has been updated to include the new color palette and logo. ROOST also developed a new four-season visitor’s guide that incorporates the new visual identity elements. There are new collateral pieces available for businesses and visitors, including stickers, window clings and tabletop signs for local businesses. Application of the new visual identity program throughout the community will take place over time, as materials are reprinted, updated and developed. The brand statement was reviewed and refreshed to reflect new developments in travel and community trends, local cultural events, Olympic history, outdoor adventure, and Lake Placid’s reputation for welcoming all visitors who take advantage of many different types of activities. The “Invent your perfect day” tagline remains unchanged, as research indicates that visitors and residents felt strongly about its sentiment and relationship to the destination. According to ROOST Marketing Manager Michelle Clement, the survey offered information that guided the process. “The survey confirmed our instincts that Lake Placid’s visual identity was due to be updated and that its appearance should be aligned with Lake Placid’s position as a world-class destination,” she said. "With that clarity, we formed a community-based brand committee that played a crucial role in shaping and guiding the updated brand statement, logo design and color choices. Both the survey and committee feedback aligned, revealing a strong desire for a brand that is clean, bold, elegant and timeless." According to Eileen Mowrey, ROOST Lake Placid regional manager, Lake Placid’s prominence as a popular location within the Adirondack Park, its position as a comfortable location with proximity to wilderness and outdoor activities, along with its refined style as a world-class visitor location were all considered during the rebranding process. “The new logo is clean and modern, reflecting the type of experience visitors can expect,” she said. “The color palette, while still bold, is slightly muted compared to the previous colors, offering a more natural and earthy feel with red, gold and various blue hues.” Community organizations and businesses are encouraged to include the new logo and visual identity as part of their marketing materials when developing items that promote their business to visitors and local community residents. While the new logo was designed to be unique to Lake Placid, its clean and simple style will complement other logos on co-branded materials or events. The Lake Placid brand files and a complete description of the brand concept and guidelines, including approved usage of the brand elements, are outlined in an online guide that is available for reference; details can be found at www.LakePlacid.com/Brand. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, all located within the Adirondacks of New York state.

Communities throughout the Adirondacks are encouraging residents and visitors to attend the region’s outdoor summer concerts. Hosted at a variety of venues throughout the season, these concerts offer unique musical experiences throughout the Adirondacks. The musical events are free and open to the public with a diverse range of musical styles scheduled. Additionally, most concerts in the region are located at waterfront venues, presenting the opportunity for boaters to take part. The concerts often take place during the late afternoon and early evening, offering an opportunity to enjoy area sunsets over both mountains and water. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets as they enjoy the shows. The concerts offer numerous benefits for musicians, residents, and visitors alike. Local musicians have the chance to perform live, enhancing their exposure and experience. Community members enjoy an enriched quality of life through these musical events, and travelers get to immerse themselves in the local culture, making their visit even more memorable. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism encourages visitors and residents to take advantage of these offerings. Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at ROOST, says, “These concerts are a wonderful way to celebrate summer and bring our community together. The area’s cultural offerings really enhance resident and visitor experiences within local communities. For two glorious months, there’s free outdoor music somewhere in the Adirondack region nearly every day of the week, which is the perfect opportunity to meet up with friends, have a picnic, relax, and enjoy the area’s communities.” Wilmington: Enjoy tunes at the Wilmington Town Beach, also known as Lake Everest, on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. The Wilmington Mountain Music Festival is taking place on July 27 from 2-11 p.m. at Wilmington Ball Park. Lake Placid: The Songs at Mirror Lake music series will take place at Mid’s Park on Main Street every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m., starting July 2. The Lake Placid Sinfonietta also offers the Park Series at Mid's Park on Wednesdays in July and August at 7 p.m. There will also be a show on Thursday, July 4. Saranac Lake: Experience Music on the Green at Riverside Park's bandshell by Lake Flower on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Don’t miss the Northern Current Community Music Festival on September 21 from 12-9:30 p.m., starting July 3. Tupper Lake: The Summer Sunset Series at Flanders Park features music every Monday and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., starting July 4, on the shores of Raquette Pond. Long Lake: Music by the Lake at Long Lake Town Beach on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. Inlet: The Inlet Concert Series takes place at Arrowhead Lakefront on Saturday nights. Starting on July 4, the concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. in July and from 6 to 8 p.m. in August. Indian Lake: Music in the Park on Saturdays at 7 p.m. on select dates: August 24, September 7, and September 28. Speculator: Music on the Point concerts begin in July on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Osborne Point, adjacent to the Speculator Public Beach. Westport: The Ballard Park Summer Concert Series begins on July 11. It features concerts every Thursday at 7 p.m. and offers stunning views of Lake Champlain. Schroon Lake: Celebrate 50 years of live music at the 1936 bandstand overlooking the lake multiple days a week from 7-9 p.m. In the event of rain, shows will be at the Boathouse Theater. For more information, visit schroonlakearts.com. Crown Point: The Music in the Park concert series will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Ticonderoga: Starting July 9, the Ticonderoga Festival Guild will present its summer concert series on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Pavilion. The Adirondack region hosts a variety of events that feature live outdoor music, in addition to scheduled community concerts. Saranac Lake’s Third Thursday Art Walks occur on the third Thursday of June, July, August, and September from 5-7:30 p.m., with musicians playing throughout the village. Local farmers markets also often include live music, creating a lively atmosphere for shoppers. A schedule of farmers markets across the Adirondacks can be found at AdirondackHarvest.com. 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.