BETA’s Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is returning for its eighth year, promising an exciting three-day celebration of biking, community, and outdoor adventure. Taking place from August 29 to August 31 at the Wilmington Recreation Park, the festival is set to be a highlight of the season for mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. This year's festival will feature on-site camping, live music, local food and beverages, group trail rides, shuttles, and a kids' mountain bike race. With over 25 miles of beautiful single-track riding, participants can explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a variety of activities. The festival features group trail rides throughout Wilmington, Lake Placid, and Keene, with options for novice, intermediate, and advanced riders, as well as dedicated rides for youth and women. The festival kicks off Friday afternoon with the Hardy Hour Group Ride from 4:30–6:30 p.m., a self-guided social ride that culminates at the top of the All In trail. The evening continues with a welcome party featuring food, music, and a bonfire. Dinners must be purchased in advance during online registration for $25 each. Meals will be prepared by Cadence Lodge, with music provided by local DJ Ben Sitts. Saturday’s programming features guided rides in the morning and afternoon, including a women’s ride and a family ride designed to encourage riders of all abilities. Additional activities include shuttled rides for those looking to enjoy longer descents without the climb. Saturday evening brings the famous “Dangertown” bonfire and two live bands on the festival grounds. Registration for Bike Fest isn’t required to join the party, which is free to the community. Spring Street kicks things off from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. with their distinctive mix of old and new rock, blues, and rich vocal harmonies. The Outcrops follow from 7 p.m.–10 p.m., bringing their unique blend of rock ’n’ roll, blues, and soul from the woods of northern New Jersey. Food trucks and local craft beverages will be available throughout the evening. Sunday brings morning group rides in Wilmington and the Hardy Kids MTB Race, which offers younger riders a chance to join in the fun. This race requires separate registration. Later in the day, festival activities move to BETA’s newest trail system, the East Branch Community Trails in Keene, a short 15-minute drive from Wilmington. The East Branch trails offer a variety of options for riders of all abilities, including two new trails completed since last year’s event. Riders can relax between laps in the large field at the trailhead, perfect for lawn chairs and games, while the nearby Monday Tuesday Grill serves food and drinks. You can view the complete event schedule at www.wilmingtonmtbfestival.com/. Participants may also purchase their festival admission tickets on-site. The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is a fundraiser for the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and development of local trails. This community-driven event offers a unique opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty while supporting a great cause. "This event is all about bringing people together—whether you're new to mountain biking, a lifelong rider, or just curious about the sport," said Glenn Glover, executive director of BETA. "We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s something for everyone in the community, not just the biking crowd. From live music and food trucks to local vendors and family-friendly activities, it’s a chance for the entire community to come out and celebrate together." BETA builds, maintains, and advocates for a system of community and backcountry trails throughout the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. BETA maintains more than 125 miles of trails on Forest Preserve, municipal, and private lands in the eastern High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. Most of the trails are purpose-built for mountain biking or ski touring, but also accommodate other human-powered activities. The organization collaborates with public agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, not-for-profit environmental groups, towns, villages, and private landowners.

The Essex County Fair is taking place in Westport from August 13-17, with a week of entertainment, attractions, and fun for local residents and visitors to the region, as it welcomes everyone from across the North Country. Admission to the fair is $15 per person, which includes parking, rides and most shows. Some grandstand entertainment may have a separate fee. This year's fair boasts a full schedule of events. Friday night will feature truck and tractor pulls, while country music fans can look forward to a performance by Vermont singer Jamie Lee Thurston on Saturday night. The always-popular demolition derby will close out the festivities on Sunday. ATV drag races, always a crowd favorite, are making a return this year. Beyond the main arena, attendees will enjoy a variety of shows, including Mythicreatures, a strolling dinosaur show for kids, Xtreme Strong Man, and the World of Wonders, a magical musician show. "We began preparations for the 2025 fair more than a year in advance; but as summer approaches, we have been working steadily, and the fair is looking really good,” said Dennie Westover, Essex County Fair Board president. The Essex County Fair provides a significant boost to the local economy, attracting approximately 10,000 people each year. "Our attendance has increased over the last three years,” Westover revealed. "Families book hotels and make a real trip out of coming to the fair. Stores and restaurants in the area enjoy bigger sales - everyone benefits.” This year, the gate price has been adjusted to $15 per person for those over 2. "We haven't had a price increase in 20 years; we didn't want to do it, but we had to,” Westover explained. The fair, which traces its origins back to 1848 when Elkanah Watson organized the inaugural Essex County-Clinton County Fair, has a rich history. The current grounds were established between 1885 and 1889 by the Essex County Agricultural Society. Even before this year's event, planning for the 2026 fair is already well underway. "I think people would be surprised how many hands it takes to make the fair happen,” Westover remarked. "It’s not just three or four people, it’s several, and it is all done on a volunteer basis.” "I think the fair is still so popular because of the thrill and the excitement,” Westover observed. “It is something that young and old can enjoy together. People get out and meet friends they haven’t seen in years. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is definitely my favorite part.” Those interested in volunteering with the Essex County Fair are encouraged to call the fair office at 518-962-8650 or visit https://www.essexcountyfair.org/ for more information.

Communities throughout the Adirondacks invite residents and visitors to participate in a wide array of fall events across the region—from harvest festivals, outdoor competitions, and craft fairs, to cultural celebrations. This year's schedule brings more variety than ever: music festivals, craft events, competitive races, and beloved autumn traditions offer plenty of ways to experience the changing season together. Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, shares, “These events offer great ways to celebrate fall in the Adirondacks. The stunning fall colors and fun local events provide a number of opportunities to connect with others. They enrich the experiences of both residents and visitors, bringing people together to celebrate our local communities.” Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate fall in the Adirondacks. Below is a list of events happening throughout the region: Blue Mountain LakeBlue Mountain and Indian Lake Rustic & Artisan Street Fair: September 5-7Adirondack Experience FallFest: October 5Adirondack Experience Rustic Fair: October 13 Crown PointHaunted History Tour at Crown Point State Historic Site: October 24Lake Champlain History Ride: October 4, 11, and 18 EssexA Haunted Hamlet: October 25 InletInlet Fall Festival: September 20-21Great Adirondack Moose Festival: September 26-28Adirondack Kids Day: October 3-4 Indian LakeBlue Mountain and Indian Lake Rustic & Artisan Street Fair: September 5-7Town of Indian Lake Adirondack Antiques Show & Sale: September 12-14Great Adirondack Moose Festival: September 26-28 JaySustainability & Energy Fair: September 6 Lake PlacidWHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series: October 3-5Flaming Leaves Festival: October 11-12Lake Placid Film Festival: October 30-November 2Skate America: November 14-16Adirondack Health Turkey Trot: November 27 Long LakeThe 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic: September 5-7Long Lake Boat Regatta: September 20 MinervaMinerva Irish Day: September 6 MoriahMiners, Machines & Michigans Cruise-In Car Show: October 5Hunter Way Farm Fright Nights: October 24-25 NewcombTeddy Roosevelt Weekend: September 12-14 North HudsonBikeADK Handlebarley Gravel Tour: September 13-14Paradox Brewery Octoberfest: September 20 Saranac LakeThe 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic: September 5-7Halfway to St. Paddy's Day Festival: September 20SPUD FEST at Tucker Farms Great Adirondack Cornmaze: October 4Adirondack Loon Celebration: October 5High Peaks Harvest Festival: October 18Bitters & Bones Turkey Trot: November 27 Schroon LakeAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival: September 27-28Fall for Schroon Festival & Car Show: October 18 SpeculatorSpeculator Bear & Wine Fest: September 20Speculator Apple Fest: September 27Oaktoberfest: September 28 TiconderogaHeritage, Harvest, & Horse Festival: October 5FallFest & Fireworks: September 27 Tupper LakeThe 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic: September 5-7ADK Bark in the Park: September 21OkTUPPERfest: September 27Fall Craft & Vendor Show: October 18Erin Farkas Dewyea Turkey Trot: November 27 WestportAdirondack Harvest Festival: September 20 WilmingtonFestival of Colors: September 13Whiteface Oktoberfest: September 27-28WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series: October 3-5

The Crown Point State Historic Site, along with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), in partnership with Essex County, have developed the Lake Champlain Region History Bus Tour in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026. The bus tour is taking place on Saturdays from October 4 - October 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The bus tour takes place throughout the eastern Adirondack region, offering information about the history of the Lake Champlain region and its contributions to the birth of the nation. The four-hour, guided tour is available for $9, per person; registration is available here. The narrated journey through the Lake Champlain region's history offers stories of industry, revolution, and landscape that helped to shape America. It begins at the Crown Point State Historic Site, where participants will meet interpreters who will lead the tour, beginning with the history of the Crown Point State Historic Site. The shuttle departs from Crown Point at 11:00 a.m., traveling to the town of Moriah. The group will visit the Moriah Iron Center to learn how the region's iron ore industry grew to be the largest pre-war producer of iron ore in the nation, significantly impacting American history through the establishment of railroads, shipping ports, modern industrial operations, and overall economic impact of the local mining operation. The bus tour also visits the lakeside town of Westport to learn about the community’s role in the Revolutionary War and its ultimate destruction as troops moved through on their way from Canada to Saratoga. Participants will have the opportunity to have a picnic lunch at Ballard Park, overlooking the lake. Interpreters will share Westport’s growth, evolving from a small settlement to its role in the Revolutionary War and its renaissance as a resort community. Participants will learn about Westport’s modern link to the arts with its local theater, music school, and concerts along with its collection of buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will then visit the hamlet of Whallonsburg where participants will learn about the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, Whitcombs Garage, and the Boquet River. The Whallonsburg Grange Hall is a former social hub for commercialism and community, restored and reclaimed as a year-round community center, hosting all manner of events, bringing its purpose full-circle. Whitcombs Garage, located adjacent to the grange hall has been repurposed as an artists’ studio and craftmakers’ space, with a gallery hosting occasional art shows. Both of these buildings are located on the shore of the Boquet River, a vital waterway for early explorers, Civil War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 troops; now a vital source for local farms and recreational opportunities. Throughout the tour, interpreters will share information about various points of interest along the route before the group makes its way back to the Crown Point State Historic Site, where participants will be encouraged to continue exploring. According to Sam Huntington, site manager at the Crown Point State Historic Site, the bus tour is something that could be extended throughout 2026, depending on its success this fall. “We hope this tour will take place during the height of the 250th celebration next year,” he said. “Our partnership with ROOST and the generous support of Essex County, which has provided the buses, has made this program possible. I’d love to see it continue.” According to Isabelle Bureau, ROOST’s Lake Champlain regional manager, ROOST is encouraging communities, organizations, and businesses to plan for the 250th Anniversary of the United States. As part of that planning, ROOST has developed the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest - a self-guided tour challenge marking contributions of the Adirondack region to the nation’s history. “This bus tour aligns perfectly with the quest; participants can do both at the same time,” she said. “The quest invites participants to visit various locations within the Lake Champlain region; many of which are showcased during the bus tour. Those who sign up for the quest will receive information on their mobile device via text and email, allowing them to receive “points” for checking in at each attraction.” The Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest can be accessed here.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has received two awards from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) at a ceremony that took place during the organization’s 2025 annual meeting in Lake George on September 11. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives and achievements of New York state’s destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. Categories included marketing campaigns, destination management initiatives, location stewardship, innovation and leadership. “Once again, both the quality and the quantity of the campaigns, initiatives, and projects nominated for the 2025 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards surpassed expectations,” observed Bob Provost, president of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The world-class work being done by New York's tourism professionals contributes significantly to the trajectory of growth in New York's visitor economy and deserves to be recognized.” Open to all tourism professionals and organizations throughout the state, the New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are determined through a competitive evaluation process led by a panel of impartial industry experts. The 2025 awards cycle saw continued growth in the number of nominations submitted. With entries representing every region of New York state, judges faced the challenging task of evaluating a diverse slate of highly qualified submissions. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism received two awards reflecting “Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Champions of Change,” and “Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects and Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success.” ROOST received the “Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Champions of Change” award in response to its leadership in preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse. ROOST’s leadership ahead of, and during, this event showcased its innovation, sense of responsibility, and desired impact. The carefully executed campaign successfully balanced visitor experience with resident well-being and environmental stewardship. ROOST recognized early on that the eclipse was not only a rare celestial event, but also a significant tourism opportunity and potential logistical challenge for the Adirondack region, as many of its small communities lay directly in the path of totality. ROOST orchestrated a year-long, comprehensive initiative to leverage the 2024 total solar eclipse as a signature tourism opportunity. Through collaboration with tourism stakeholders, emergency services, local governments, law enforcement, media, area school districts, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, and community volunteers, ROOST identified and promoted specific viewing locations that prioritized safety while discouraging potentially dangerous backcountry viewing. According to ROOST COO Mary Jane Lawrence, the event serves as a model for transforming a natural event into a meaningful and well-managed tourism success. “We implemented a regional strategy focused on responsible tourism management, with safety being the top priority,” she commented. “ROOST prioritized community readiness by working closely with local governments, emergency responders, tourism partners, and environmental agencies. Strategic goals included dispersing crowds, minimizing risk, and amplifying the visibility of the region through coordinated marketing and messaging.” ROOST also received the “Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects and Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success” award for its use of Data Driven Large Scale Event Management which leverages comprehensive analytics to enhance large-scale event planning, execution, and sustainability. ROOST’s ability to balance tourism growth with community well-being reflects its destination management role. ROOST collects and analyzes real-time data during events to help event planners optimize attendee experiences while identifying and addressing community pressure points to minimize disruption. Its innovative program creates a model that balances tourism growth with community well-being, delivering both immediate event success and lasting regional tourism benefits. By creatively leveraging data during large events, the program enhances planning, resulting in smoother logistics, stronger community engagement, and measurable economic impact. Successful events often lead to visitors sharing their positive experiences with others and returning as leisure travelers, further amplifying the long-term benefits for the region. The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominees spanned every corner of New York State and judges were challenged by the diversity and quality of the entries. “The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who help shape and elevate New York State as a world-class travel destination,” remarked Greg LaDuca, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “These professionals and organizations play a vital role in strengthening our state’s economy and enhancing the visitor experience. We applaud this year’s honorees for their innovation, dedication, and impact.” “NYSTIA is privileged to administer the awards program and ceremony,” stated Rachele Markle, NYSTIA staff liaison to the NYS Tourism Excellence Awards Committee. “The continued success of this awards program is a testament to the individuals and organizations who submitted nominations, the experienced judges who carefully reviewed each entry and, most importantly, the remarkable efforts of tourism professionals working to enhance and promote New York as a premier travel destination. We owe a huge thank you to the volunteers who served on the Tourism Excellence Awards Committee and panel of judges: Josiah Brown, Bridget Cerrone, Todd Garofano, Nigar Hale, Cassandra Harrington, Samantha Hayes, Danae Jones-Persip, Dana Krueger, Greg LaDuca, Dwayne Thomas, Elena Oyer, Stacey Toussaint, and the Committee Co-Chairs, Sarah Foster Calero and Haley Coriaty.”