Community liaison to assist during race training and event The 26th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 20; its course is defined along roads throughout Lake Placid, Keene, Jay, Upper Jay, and Wilmington. There will be a number of road closures throughout these communities. The public should expect road closures and associated traffic delays beginning shortly after 5:00 a.m. that day. Traffic pattern changes and delays will impact communities along the bike and run course. In Lake Placid/North Elba: Cummings Rd. will be closed from 4:00 a.m. until midnight. Mirror Lake Dr. from Northwood Rd. to Main St. in Lake Placid - closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on the 21st. Northwood Rd. from Rt. 86 to Mirror Lake Dr. - closed southbound from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Parkside Dr. in Lake Placid - closed from Mirror Lake Dr. to Main St. from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on the 21st. Colden Ave., School St., and Mill Pond Dr. from Colden to Main St. - closed from 5:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Main St. from the Post Office to Station St. - closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on the 21st. Rt. 73 from Mill Pond Dr. to River Rd. - closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on the 21st. River Rd. - closed from 11:00 a.m. until midnight. Bobsled Run Lane - closed in both directions from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Parking will not be permitted overnight on Saturday, July 19 on Mirror Lake Dr. in front of the tennis courts, nor on Parkside Dr. from Main St. to Mirror Lake Dr. Parking on Main St. from Parkside Dr. near the post office south is also prohibited overnight on Saturday, July19. Outside Lake Placid: Road closures (Route 86) southbound to Lake Placid from Wilmington and Jay 7:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Route 9N closed northbound from Keene to Jay from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Stickney Bridge Rd. - closed northbound from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There will be no vehicular traffic allowed on Stickney Bridge itself in either direction during this time. Route 9N southbound - closed from Stickney Bridge Rd. to the Route 86 intersection from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Bilhuber Rd. will be closed to traffic from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Haselton Rd. will remain open from Bilhuber Rd. to the Town of Black Brook. No vehicle travel south of Bilhuber Rd. will be permitted until 4:00 p.m. Route 73 south/eastbound from Lake Placid to Keene begins at 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Notice to residents and businesses along Wilmington Rd: Runner traffic will continue until midnight. A list of traffic detours and road closures, along with the course route, can be found at ironman.com/im-lake-placid-course. Again this year, Ironman Lake Placid organizers have established a community liaison to assist businesses and community members with questions related to race training and travel throughout the region, along with addressing specific race-day issues. The community liaison is the primary point of contact regarding road closures, traffic delays and other inquiries or concerns. Working with race officials and other local agencies will allow them to quickly mitigate any issues that arise. Residents and community members are encouraged to reach out to the Ironman community liaison for assistance before and during the race via email at IMLakePlacidCommunity@ironman.com or by phone at 888-497-5009. According to Ironman Lake Placid Race Director Greg Borzilleri, the community liaison will work closely with the local community to ensure coordination, provide timely information and address any questions that may arise. “The community liaison position was established three years ago and has proven to be extremely successful in assisting businesses and community members,” he said. Recognizing the impact of a large-scale event like Ironman Lake Placid, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) led a task force in 2021 to address community concerns, improve safety and logistics and establish ways to communicate more effectively with community members and race participants. The task force evolved, becoming known as the event committee, and remains in place to support the Ironman event. According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, the event committee meets before and after the event to review opportunities for continued improvement. “We recognize that improvement is a continual process,” she said. “The group meets post-race, as well, to review the event and consider additional recommendations based on feedback from athletes, volunteers, businesses and community officials.”

The 26th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 20; its course is defined along roads throughout Lake Placid, Keene, Jay, Upper Jay, and Wilmington. The community is encouraged to get involved with the event, and resources are available to those impacted by the race. This annual event brings a significant number of visitors to the region, including athletes, family members, and spectators, both during and in the weeks leading up to the event, with many opportunities for local residents to become involved. Ironman Lake Placid organizers are encouraging community members to get involved with the event in several ways. More than 1,700 volunteers assist with various aspects of the race, including race transitions from swim to bike and later, from bike to run. They apply sunscreen, assist with wetsuit removal and ensure that athletes can access their personal item bags. Volunteers help to ensure that athletes have access to nourishment and liquids at aid stations along the course. They also assist with crowd movement throughout the day. As the athletes finish the event, volunteers provide snacks and drinks at the finish line. Contact Kristen Boslet at imlakeplacid@Ironmanvolunteers.com to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Again this year, event organizers will host an “Ironman Village” at the Olympic speed skating oval on Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The “Ironman Village” offers athletes, their families and community members a chance to shop for Ironman merchandise, learn about the area from local exhibitors, sample local products and meet and greet one another. This year’s village will feature an enhanced lounge and more local food vendors. It provides a great opportunity to speak with athletes and wish them well ahead of the event. Ironkids is an excellent opportunity for the kids to get involved on Friday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. The region’s younger residents, visitors and athletes’ young family members, aged 6-15 can take part in a mini-triathlon with the course specifics determined by age group. The junior group competes in a 50-yard swim, a 2-mile bike ride and a 500-yard run. The intermediate age group goes on a 150-yard swim, a 4-mile bike ride and a 1-mile run. The senior group races on a 300-yard swim, an 8-mile bike ride and a 2-mile run. Visit the Ironkids section of the Ironman website to register or learn more. Ironman Foundation offers another way for the community to benefit from the event. Through its volunteerism and community grant programs, funding is awarded to help schools, summer camps, food banks, environmental groups and similar community organizations. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism COO Mary Jane Lawrence, community organizations in the area have benefitted from the generosity of Ironman Foundation. “Local organizations that have received funding from Ironman Foundation include the Ausable Freshwater Center for portable restroom placement, the Mirror Lake Watershed Association for ongoing efforts to monitor invasive species, and the North Elba Christmas fund,” she said. The grant period is currently open for requests; visit the Ironman Foundation website to learn more.

The 76th Annual Tupper Lake Pro-Am Golf Tournament will take place August 8-10 at the Tupper Lake Golf Club. Registration is open to the public at TupperLakeGolf.com. Tournament green fees and registration start at $100, with several pricing options available for different flights. Cart rental is $40 for the two-day tournament. The tournament attracts golfers from across the Northeast, along with players from as far away as California, Virginia, and Canada for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration. The event features both professional and amateur divisions, drawing an average of 25 professional golfers and 130 amateur players each year, many of whom take part year after year. Competitors will vie for cash prizes and merchandise, including $2,000 for the first-place professional and $1,000 for the first-place senior professional. Amateurs will compete for TaylorMade merchandise. The excitement kicks off on Friday, August 8, when players can participate in an optional skins game with a $20 entry fee, providing golfers the chance to familiarize themselves with the course. The day continues with the long drive and putting contests, sponsored by TaylorMade, where golfers can showcase their power and precision. On Saturday, August 9, the tournament officially begins with the first round of play. As golfers navigate the challenging course, spectators can enjoy the lively atmosphere and scenic views. In the evening, participants and attendees can unwind with dinner specials at The Clubhouse, located on-site. The tournament concludes on Sunday, August 10, with the final round of play. The tournament culminates with an awards ceremony following each flight. Director of Golf and Course Supervisor, Evan LaBarge, shares his enthusiasm for this year’s milestone tournament. “The Tupper Lake Pro-Am is a summer tradition that continues to grow each year, bringing together the best of our community and the sport of golf,” he said. “It’s all made possible thanks to the dedication of our grounds crew, golf shop team, volunteers, and the generous support of our tournament sponsors, who help make this event one to remember.” Many renowned professional golfers, including Matt Campbell, Scott Berliner, Robert MeHeran, and James Chung, competed in last year’s event. Campbell won the 75th Tupper Lake Open in 2024, capturing the pro title, with Berliner placing second. Robert MeHeran won the Senior Pro, with James Chung finishing as runner-up.Beyond the impressive field of competitors, this milestone tournament is set against the scenic and storied landscape of the Tupper Lake Golf Club—a course that has challenged golfers for generations. Built in 1932 by renowned architect Donald J. Ross, the 18-hole, par-71 layout is widely regarded as one of the Adirondacks’ most challenging and scenic courses. Contact Evan LaBarge at elabarge@tupperlakegolf.com for additional information about the tournament.

The Adirondack Nature Festival for People With Disabilities will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center. This free, fully accessible event welcomes participants of all abilities. Admission is free and open to all, rain or shine, with no reservations required. The festival will feature guided sensory walks, wild edibles tours, forest therapy experiences, adaptive outdoor equipment demonstrations, live music from local acts, storytelling, a campfire sing-along with s’mores, and hands-on workshops in painting and basket-making. Festival attendees can also enjoy a Special Olympics bocce demonstration from the Adirondack Rednecks team, tours of a live monarch butterfly house, and an adaptive orienteering course featuring audio cues and inclusive trail design. The festival venue features gentle, wheelchair-friendly trails and ADA-compliant facilities, so everyone can fully experience and enjoy nature. “Whether you are participating in a nature workshop, an arts and crafts program, or just hanging out listening to live music, the Adirondack Nature Festival for People With Disabilities will provide an opportunity for people of various abilities to connect with nature in many different ways, as well as with each other,” said Nick Friedman, co-founder and executive director of Accessible Adirondack Tourism. “We’re also looking for volunteers with a range of skills to help make the day a success — from welcoming guests and guiding nature walks to helping with activities and supporting vendors and performers. Volunteers will receive a free festival T-shirt and catered lunch. We’re especially excited to invite artists with disabilities to join us as vendors and share their work with the community.” Those interested in volunteering or becoming a vendor can sign up at www.adirondacknaturefestivalforpeoplewithdisabilities.org/volunteer-with-the-adirondack-nature-festival-for-people-with-disabilities. For full festival details, visit www.adirondacknaturefestivalforpeoplewithdisabilities.org. Photo credit: Accessible Adirondack Tourism, Inc.

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.