The 2025 Great Adirondack Garage Sale is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, within the Adirondack region of upstate New York. The event takes place throughout communities along a 200-mile trail, on NYS routes 28, 30, and 3. The region-wide garage sale is a popular kick-off to the summer season, with residents and visitors embracing the opportunity to buy and sell unique household items, gently used furnishings, home accessories, and quirky treasures. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Marketing Director Michelle Clement, the sale appeals to local community members, along with those who travel to the region. “The Great Adirondack Garage Sale attracts people from throughout the northeast,” she said. “Many enthusiastic bargain shoppers plan their annual visit to the Adirondack region each year to take advantage of the event.” The 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. Clement explained about treasure-seekers’ love for the region. “The Great Adirondack Garage Sale offers a great opportunity for visitors to experience many of the Adirondack region’s charming communities as they move from one area to another during this event. Taking place over Memorial Day weekend is especially beneficial, as many businesses and attractions are officially opening for the summer or expanding their hours and offerings. It truly makes for a great kickoff to the season,” she said. 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 by 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 sale. 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.

Communities throughout the Adirondack region are preparing to welcome local farmers markets this summer and fall. Many markets will feature fresh, locally sourced food and products, beginning in late May and continuing through mid-October. With over 20 farmers markets throughout the Adirondacks, the region offers a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. These markets are spread across towns and villages, including well-established locations in Lake Placid, Elizabethtown, Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, and Ticonderoga, as well as newer or seasonal markets in places like Port Henry and Long Lake. Adirondack Harvest, an organization committed to promoting local agriculture, has created a comprehensive directory of these farmers markets. The directory, available at AdirondackHarvest.com, provides information on market locations, schedules, events, and seasonal produce. The website is a valuable resource for connecting farmers, producers, and consumers - strengthening the local agricultural community and ensuring access to sustainable food systems while preserving the region’s scenic landscapes. Laurie Davis, Adirondack Harvest program administrator, encourages residents and visitors alike to explore their local farmers markets. “Farmers markets are not only convenient for purchasing fresh, seasonal, and locally-grown food directly from the farmer,” she said, “they also offer a rare chance to engage with the people who grow, harvest, and make these products. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about agricultural practices, animal care, and land stewardship, which are vital to the region’s agritourism sector.” Efforts are underway to ensure that fresh produce is accessible to as many people as possible. Local, state, and federal programs help provide financial assistance to those experiencing food insecurity, which can often be used at farm stores and farmers markets. Adirondack Harvest’s website also includes a detailed FAQ page listing food assistance programs available across the region. Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at ROOST, shares her appreciation for the local food scene. “There’s something truly special about the number of farms, markets, and roadside stands throughout the Adirondacks,” she said. “I love visiting farmers markets, and knowing there’s always another one nearby if I miss a local market makes it easy to support the hardworking farmers and producers who help sustain our communities.” “Farmers markets offer more than just fresh food - they provide a true taste of the Adirondack way of life,” said Davis. “Shopping locally not only supports small farms and reduces environmental impact, but it also strengthens the communities where we live and visit.” Food enthusiasts can also look forward to the Adirondack Harvest Festival, a celebration of local food, agriculture, and community. The festival, scheduled on Saturday, September 20 at the Essex County Fairgrounds, will feature live music, workshops and demonstrations, a large farmers market, food trucks showcasing regional flavors, activities and entertainment Crown Point: Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 2065 County Highway 2 - July 10 to August 14, 2025, as part of the Crown Point Market & Music series.Elizabethtown: Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 7590 Court Street - June 20 to September 5, 2025.Keene Valley: Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 12942 NY-73 Scenic, Keene, NY, - May 25 to October 12, 2025.Indian Lake: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 106 Crow Hill Road - July 5 to September 27, 2025.Lake Placid: Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 2634 Main Street - July 2 to August 27, 2025. Long Lake: Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on South Hill Road - June 26 to August 28, 2025.Port Henry: Fridays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 36 Harbour Lane - June 13 to August 29, 2025.Saranac Lake: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on River Street - May 17 to October 11, 2025.Schroon Lake: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 15 Leland Avenue - June 14 to September 6, 2025.Speculator: Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on NY-30 - June 19 to September 4, 2025.Ticonderoga: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 3 McCormick St. - July 12 to September 6, 2025.Tupper Lake: Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 320 Park Street - June 20 to October 18, 2025.Upper Jay at Snowy Grocery: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 18 Sugar House Way - April 11, 2025, to December 28, 2030.Willsboro: Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pavilion just south of Champlain National Bank on Route 22 - June 12 to August 28, 2025.

Information gathered will contribute to organization’s updated 3-year strategic plan The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is seeking feedback from residents, community partners, and business owners throughout Essex and Hamilton counties, along with those living and working within the Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake regions, to gather information that will contribute to the organization’s updated 3-year strategic plan. Anyone living or working in these regions is encouraged to take part in the survey, which can be accessed here. According to ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher, local input is essential to this process. “The feedback we receive from businesses, local government leaders, community members, and other stakeholders through this survey will inform the strategic plan update, ensuring it aligns with the shared vision and needs of those who live, work, and invest in our tourism economy,” he said. ROOST’s strategic plan focuses on four primary objectives: destination marketing, community engagement, destination development and management, and organizational sustainability. The survey results will be used to guide ROOST efforts within each of those overall objectives. Kelleher explained that ROOST's strategic plan is a crucial part of its role as a destination management and marketing organization (DMMO). “One important aspect of ROOST’s responsibilities is its work with local partners to develop and support initiatives to sustain healthy communities — economically, socially, and environmentally,” he said. “Our strategic plan guides those initiatives, so it’s important that it is updated on a regular basis with as much stakeholder input as possible. The survey results will directly inform initiatives through 2028.” The survey will be sent via email to local residents, business owners, elected officials, community partners and other stakeholders. It will also be available through social media channels, via local media outlets, and on the ROOST website at ROOSTAdk.com. The confidential survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and should be done in one session so that all answers can be submitted. The last day to complete the survey is June 13. ROOST has partnered with Coraggio Group, a consulting firm specializing in tourism-oriented research and community prosperity strategies, to conduct the survey and tabulate the results. ROOST released its most recent 3-year plan in 2023; its updated strategic plan is expected to be released later this year. ##

The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting its fourth annual LGBTQI+ Pride event on Sunday, June 29 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. in Saranac Lake. The event features a celebration through downtown, ending at Riverside Park where exhibitors and entertainment will celebrate the region’s rich diversity. The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and neighboring communities throughout the region, along with their families, friends, local elected officials, supportive organizations, businesses, and other allies. The event features a fashion show presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center, speakers, exhibits, music, and performers from Soma Beats and Pendragon Theatre. Representatives from the Tri-Lakes Animal Shelter will also be on-hand, presenting a number of pets available for adoption. According to Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, the event has become incredibly popular. “Last year, we welcomed so many participants - the number of vendors and exhibitors was overwhelming. We are working to improve the event each year,” she said. “The event, the community’s involvement, local business support, the spontaneity that always seems to occur - it just contributes to the 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 the 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; it features local favorites The Canoodelers and Lawn Chair Ladies. Metzgar also explained that the day will be filled with fun and laughter, led by some of the area’s most popular entertainers. Local caricature artist Joe Ferris Art will be on-hand to capture attendees’ exaggerated, comical likeness, and Belly Buttons the Clown is sure to make the attendees smile. Mhisty Knights and her drag troupe will provide their unique blend of theatrics and humor to delight the crowd, performing on the main stage. “The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, so we genuinely hope that everyone comes out to celebrate with us,” commented Metzgar. “We celebrate diversity and, by definition, that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone. The more, the merrier.” 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. “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 24 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 28, the Belvedere Restaurant in Saranac Lake will host its now-famous Drag Brunch. Tickets for this event can be obtained here. 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 Adirondack Winter Pride and Transgender Day of Visibility in March, Small Town Pride - ANCGA Malone in early June, Tri-Lakes Pride on the last Sunday of June, Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh taking place each fall during LGBTQI+ history month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.

The highly anticipated Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon returns on Saturday, June 28, kicking off at 8 a.m., and continuing a legacy as one of the longest-running triathlons in North America. Now in its 43rd year, the Tinman welcomes more than 400 athletes from across the U.S. and Canada to compete in one of five events: Tinman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) Aquabike (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike) Team Relay (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) Olympic (0.94-mile swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run) Sprint (0.6-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike, 3.1-mile run) Race Director Wendy Peroza, a 25 year volunteer and race director for 15 years, credits the event's success to the passion and dedication of the local organizing committee. “This race is entirely community-driven and plays a vital role in Tupper Lake’s summer season,” she said. Franklin County continues to champion the event, recognizing its broader impact. “We are proud to support this legacy event and acknowledge the value it brings to the region” notes Phil Hans, Franklin County’s Director for the Office of Economic Development and Tourism. A 2023 economic impact study estimated that Tinman weekend generates approximately $400,000 in direct, pre-tax regional spending. Many participants and their families extend their stay to explore the region—enjoying local breweries like Raquette River Brewing and P-2’s Irish Pub, Riverpigs baseball, hiking, paddling, and attractions like The Wild Center and the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory. What’s New in 2025 Tinman Virtual Training ClubSponsored by Hotel Saranac, this free 4-part training series featured expert-led webinars on racing, training, and nutrition. Recordings are available at TupperLakeTinman.com/virtual-training. The final in-person session, led by pro triathlete Amy Farrell, includes a swim/bike workout on June 15, 9:00–11:30 a.m., at Tupper Lake Municipal Park. On-site registration available. Updated Bike CourseDue to construction, the bike route will head south toward Long Lake instead of the traditional Cranberry Lake direction. Cyclists will follow standard road rules. Motorists are urged to use caution, especially near the turnaround points. Packet Pick-Up & RegistrationWill take place at the Tupper Lake Library Community Room on Friday, June 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Volunteer Opportunities & StipendsVolunteers are still needed for all areas: packet pick-up, course setup, and race support. Non-profit groups of 8 or more are eligible for stipends to support their cause. Sign up at TupperLakeTinman.com/volunteers or email tinman@tupperlake.com. For the latest updates, visit TupperLakeTinman.com or follow on Facebook @TupperLakeTinman.