The Adirondacks continue to welcome Canadian travelers The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has been closely monitoring the Canadian response to tariff implementation, along with continued political tension between Washington and Ottawa. The Adirondack region welcomes thousands of travelers from Canada each year; disruptions to travel across the border will affect the area in a multitude of ways. According to ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher, Canadian travelers continue to have a strong reaction to the impact of US government policies. “Proposed and impending federal policy, particularly related to tariffs, has created unease among Canadians,” he said. “As a result, we are receiving feedback that many Canadian travelers have opted to change or cancel their US travel plans.” Adirondack communities have always enjoyed a strong relationship with their Canadian neighbors, traveling freely and often across the border for vacations, shopping, sporting events, and day trips. International hockey tournaments, cross-border Lake Champlain boat travel, easy access to outdoor recreation, and overnight stays, have inextricably linked our region’s tourism economy with Southern Ontario and Quebec. The Adirondack region is within a day's drive for approximately 50% of the Canadian population (16,000,000 ON, 9,000,000 QC). This region is an easy vacation destination for many Canadian travelers - for a week, a long weekend, or even an overnight getaway. Each year, the Adirondacks welcome Canadian travelers, who share local residents’ love of the outdoors and natural beauty that the region offers. Canadian visitors to the region contribute significantly to the local economy through lodging stays, dining at restaurants, retail and local attraction spending, and participation in local and regional events. Kelleher continued, “Tourism is one of the largest industries in Essex, Hamilton, and Franklin counties, so we remain concerned about any negative impacts on reduced Canadian travel to our region. Just a 1% decrease in total visitation means a loss of nearly $12 million in spending at local businesses, and a reduction of up to $583,000 in local tax generation.” The relationship between the United States and Canada, especially from a tourism perspective, is always top of mind for ROOST, as it ultimately affects each of the communities in the Adirondacks. ROOST will continue to share travel information with Canadian travel markets, encourage them to visit and, as always, work to ensure that Canadians are welcome and valued visitors to the region.

The Lake Placid Community Day organizing committee is seeking nominations for its distinguished volunteer of the year award. Nominations are due by April 1, 2025. Community Day celebrates those who contribute to various community-based initiatives, within the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba. One important aspect of Lake Placid Community Day is showcasing volunteer efforts of community members and specifically, those who choose to share their time with the area’s activities and events. Event organizers are beginning to plan and encourage nominations for the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. The award will be presented at the seventh annual Community Day celebration on Sunday, June 1. Award recipients will be recognized in two categories: distinguished volunteer of the year, youth; and distinguished volunteer of the year, adult. Nomination criteria are as follows: Any individual or organization may nominate one or more candidates. The organization’s and the volunteer’s work must be within North Elba. Previous candidates may be re-nominated. Nominations should remain confidential; all nominees may not receive an award. Include as much pertinent information as possible to support the nomination. Provide at least one contact in support of the nomination, including name and contact information. Letters of support are encouraged. To nominate someone for the North Elba/Lake Placid Distinguished Volunteer of the Year, complete the nomination form and share with Catherine Ericson by email at Catherine@RoostADK.com. The committee retains and reviews all past nominee submissions. The Community Day Celebration is a joint initiative of the Lake Placid/North Elba Community Development Commission and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). The Lake Placid/North Elba Development Commission facilitates the implementation of the Lake Placid/North Elba Comprehensive Plan, which was developed in 2014.

The Ticonderoga Chamber of Commerce is hosting an After Business mixer, featuring a presentation regarding local and Adirondack-wide celebrations of the 250th Commemoration of the American Revolution by representatives from the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). Attendees will learn how this historic milestone can drive economic and cultural opportunities in the region. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and share information about available opportunities with area residents and businesses. When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 Where: War Cannon Spirits, 2849 NYS Route 9N, Crown Point, NY Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with fellow business owners; offering an opportunity to discuss ideas for businesses to become involved. The meeting will allow attendees to brainstorm plans and learn about upcoming regional activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation. The event features hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is encouraging Adirondack communities, organizations, and businesses to begin planning for the 250th Anniversary of the United States. ROOST’s region-wide initiative “ADK Celebrates USA 250” is designed to unify and strengthen the Adirondacks’ collective impact for America250 - the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. ROOST is working with communities, businesses, and organizations to support participation throughout the Adirondacks; encouraging plans and activities that support the regional and nationwide celebrations. Last week, the ROOST Team attended the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, where they shared a presentation focused on ways in which communities and businesses can become involved in the anniversary events. According to ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement, the focus on history and cultural tourism will create valuable opportunities for Adirondack-region businesses, as the nation prepares for ‘America250,’ the nationally-designated commemoration of the birth of the United States. “ROOST is leveraging this opportunity to showcase Adirondack history—from Lake Champlain’s critical role in the American Revolution to the region’s many contributions over the past 250 years,” she said. “We expect growing interest in the Adirondacks’ impact on American culture, from its legacy as the nation’s first protected wilderness and the birthplace of the American vacation, to its distinction as a two-time Winter Olympic host. For generations, the region has shaped environmental stewardship, tourism, innovation, and outdoor recreation, making this a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate its lasting influence.” Communities and businesses can become involved by organizing various community events; while local businesses may consider offering immersive experiences, specials, lodging packages, or themed food and drink experiences. To support the Adirondack initiative, businesses, organizations, and Adirondack communities can employ various elements from the ROOST-designed “business toolkit” which features a number of items for download, including: logos that can be used on signage, digital promotions, merchandise, and other applications. This toolkit can be accessed at roostadk.com/250. There are many anniversaries and celebrations taking place throughout the next few years, beginning with the capture of Fort Ticonderoga from France on May 10, 1775. This is considered by many historians to be the Continental Army’s first victory of the Revolutionary War. Fort Ticonderoga and the surrounding Lake Champlain Region are planning events in 2025, highlighting the role that the region played in the birth of the nation. While the national focus may be on July 4, 1776, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the celebration of America 250 encompasses much broader themes. 2025: Revolutionary War Celebrations Begin. May 9-11, 2025: America’s First Victory at Fort Ticonderoga (the first local victory) 2026: 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence 2027: 250th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in New York state 2033: Revolutionary War Celebrations Conclude “The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and New York state’s abolition of slavery present opportunities to engage visitors and locals in nationwide observances,” said Clement. “We invite all businesses to share their collective local pride and participate by offering themed specials, immersive experiences, and patriotic promotions.” According to Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST chief operating officer, preparing for this milestone celebration is an exciting project. "At ROOST, it's essential that we support our local businesses, lodging properties, and towns to maximize the potential of this incredible opportunity," she explained.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) and local leaders are inviting residents to register for the 2025 Great Adirondack Garage Sale, happening over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25. This is the perfect opportunity for locals to do a little spring cleaning, de-clutter their homes, and clean out that basement, attic, or garage. The garage sale stretches more than 200 miles through Adirondack communities, including Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Piercefield, Newcomb, and Speculator. Registration is free online and listings on the website include dates and times for each sale. Each community will also receive paper maps of local sale locations to hand out. To register and find more information, visit www.GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com. The interactive website showcases sale locations and allows unlimited photos of the items for sale to be uploaded. “There's something special about discovering unique treasures at garage sales each summer,” said Christy Wilt, Director of Hamilton County Economic Development and Tourism. “The Great Adirondack Garage Sale is a highlight for us every year. It's a fantastic chance to repurpose items we no longer need, engage with the community, and enjoy some time outdoors. We're excited to see everyone back this year, and we encourage everyone to come out and make the most of this event.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.