The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Board of Directors approved two new members at its recent annual meeting. Board Chair Jon Donk introduced Emily Brown and Paul Hai as the most recent additions to the board. “We’d like to welcome Emily and Paul to the ROOST Board of Directors,” he said. “Their backgrounds, expertise, and local knowledge will provide benefit and insight to ROOST as we continue to focus on our destination marketing and management work.”Emily Brown is the owner and co-founder of Above Social, a digital marketing firm based in Wilmington, NY. She is also the owner of Small Town Spirits located in Wilmington. Prior to opening Above Social in 2018, Emily was the manager of O’Neills Stadium Inn and served as marketing assistant for Fox Run at Orchard Park. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Canisius University.Paul Hai currently serves as associate director, education, Adirondack Ecological Center at SUNY-ESF, Newcomb Campus. His roles at SUNY-ESF include: director of the Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute; associate director for the Adirondack Ecological Center; and associate director for the Northern Forest Institute. Paul has worked in the field of Informal Science Education for almost three decades, having led multi-disciplinary educational programs and initiatives including curriculum design, course development, workshops, and conferences, along with academic, professional, and public education and outreach initiatives, focused on Adirondack natural and human history, environmental and social justice, and leadership development. According to ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher, the board of directors is responsible for defining the organization’s long-term goals, fiduciary oversight and ensuring that future plans support its mission. “ROOST board members focus on the organization's strategic direction,” he said. “ROOST’s mission and vision remain at the forefront of all board decisions and future plans. We look forward to welcoming and working with Emily and Paul as we continue to develop our initiatives and complete our important work.”“We are pleased to have Paul Hai and Emily Brown joining ROOST’s Board of Directors,” stated Essex County Chair Stephen McNally. “These two individuals bring diverse geographic representation and backgrounds that will ensure Essex County continues to be the fastest growing tourism economy north of the Mohawk River.”Two representatives from the Essex County Board of Supervisors, Town of Elizabethtown Supervisor Cathleen Reusser and Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley, serve on the ROOST board in an ex-officio capacity, providing real-time information exchange between ROOST and the county’s board of supervisors. “We are grateful for Essex County’s commitment to this organization along with the supervisors’ professional insight, expertise, and unwavering service.” The ROOST Board of Directors also elected its officers for 2026: Jon Donk, chair; Chandler Ralph, vice chair; Garrick Smith as treasurer and Susan Delahanty as secretary. ROOST officers serve in their executive role for one year; each board term is three years, with a maximum of three terms. Each board member represents a different industry and region of the Adirondacks.Additional ROOST board members include: Juliet Cook and Dan Rivera representing the Lake Champlain Region, Andrea Crisafulli representing the Adirondack Hub Region, Nick Politi and Alex Madden from the Lake Placid/High Peaks Region, Jodi Gunther and Leslie Karasin from the Saranac Lake Region, Hillarie Logan-Dechene from Hamilton County, Rebecca Kelly from the Whiteface Region, and Mariann Rapple also representing the Lake Champlain Region.The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Board of Directors approved two new members at its recent annual meeting. Board Chair Jon Donk introduced Emily Brown and Paul Hai as the most recent additions to the board. “We’d like to welcome Emily and Paul to the ROOST Board of Directors,” he said. “Their backgrounds, expertise, and local knowledge will provide benefit and insight to ROOST as we continue to focus on our destination marketing and management work.”Emily Brown is the owner and co-founder of Above Social, a digital marketing firm based in Wilmington, NY. She is also the owner of Small Town Spirits located in Wilmington. Prior to opening Above Social in 2018, Emily was the manager of O’Neills Stadium Inn and served as marketing assistant for Fox Run at Orchard Park. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Canisius University.Paul Hai currently serves as director, Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute in Newcomb, NY. He has also served as associate director for the Adirondack Ecological Center since 2018 and the associate director for the Northern Forest Institute since 2016. Paul has worked in the field of Informal Science Education for almost three decades, having led multi-disciplinary educational programs and initiatives including curriculum design, course development, workshops, and conferences, along with academic, professional, and public education and outreach initiatives, focused on Adirondack natural and human history, environmental and social justice, and leadership development. According to ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher, the board of directors is responsible for defining the organization’s long-term goals, fiduciary oversight and ensuring that future plans support its mission. “ROOST board members focus on the organization's strategic direction,” he said. “ROOST’s mission and vision remain at the forefront of all board decisions and future plans. We look forward to welcoming and working with Emily and Paul as we continue to develop our initiatives and complete our important work.”“We are pleased to have Paul Hai and Emily Brown joining ROOST’s Board of Directors,” stated Essex County Chair Stephen McNally. “These two individuals bring diverse geographic representation and backgrounds that will ensure Essex County continues to be the fastest growing tourism economy north of the Mohawk River.”Two representatives from the Essex County Board of Supervisors, Town of Elizabethtown Supervisor Cathleen Reusser and Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley, serve on the ROOST board in an ex-officio capacity, providing real-time information exchange between ROOST and the county’s board of supervisors. “We are grateful for Essex County’s commitment to this organization along with the supervisors’ professional insight, expertise, and unwavering service.” The ROOST Board of Directors also elected its officers for 2026: Jon Donk, chair; Chandler Ralph, vice chair; Garrick Smith as treasurer and Susan Delahanty as secretary. ROOST officers serve in their executive role for one year; each board term is three years, with a maximum of three terms. Each board member represents a different industry and region of the Adirondacks.Additional ROOST board members include: Juliet Cook and Dan Rivera representing the Lake Champlain Region, Andrea Crisafulli representing the Adirondack Hub Region, Nick Politi and Alex Madden from the Lake Placid/High Peaks Region, Jodi Gunther and Leslie Karasin from the Saranac Lake Region, Hillarie Logan-Dechene from Hamilton County, Rebecca Kelly from the Whiteface Region, and Mariann Rapple also representing the Lake Champlain Region.The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.

The 27th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 19 throughout the communities of Lake Placid, Keene, Wilmington, Au Sable Forks and Jay and Upper Jay. The weekend also includes various events and activities leading up to the race beginning on Thursday, July 16.The annual Ironkids Dip-n-Dash event takes place on Friday, July 17 at 2:00 p.m. for those aged 7-17. The IronKids Fun Run is also scheduled on July 17, with four different distances based on age categories between 0-17: the diaper dash, toddler tot trot, half-mile, and one-mile race.Competitors and their supporters can visit the Ironman village at the Olympic oval, beginning on July 16. The Ironman village offers participants the opportunity to learn about various event sponsors, local attractions and businesses, visit the tech service center, and purchase official Ironman clothing and gear.The race begins at 6:15 a.m. on July 19; participants have 17 hours, from the time they begin, to finish the event. Its bike and marathon courses take athletes through Lake Placid, Keene, Au Sable Forks, Jay, Upper Jay, and Wilmington throughout the day and late into the night. Traffic pattern changes, road closures and delays will impact communities along the bike and run courses beginning shortly after 5:00 a.m. Bike and run traffic should be anticipated throughout the morning and afternoon; runner traffic will continue until midnight.A list of alternate routes, road closures, and delays, along with the Ironman course route, can be found on LakePlacid.com.Ironman Lake Placid has established a community relations coordinator and hotline 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. Residents and community members are encouraged to reach out to the Ironman community liaison for assistance before and during the race by phone at 888-497-5009 or via email at IMLakePlacidCommunity@ironman.com.Recognizing the impact of a large-scale event like Ironman Lake Placid, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) led a task force five years ago 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 determine opportunities for continued improvement. “We recognize that improvement is a continual process,” she said. “The group meets to review the event and consider additional recommendations based on feedback from athletes, volunteers, businesses, and community officials.”Ironman Lake Placid welcomes hundreds of volunteers to assist participants before the race, along the course, in changing tents, during transitions, and at the finish line. Those wishing to volunteer for the event should sign up at ironman.com/races/im-lake-placid.

Lake Placid is set to host its annual Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, a parade on Main Street, and a spectacular fireworks display. This year’s theme is "Rings of Independence: Celebrating 250 Years and Lake Placid's Legacy." 4th of July Lake Placid Event Details: Anticipated 11:12 a.m. | Vermont National Guard Flyover - four F-35s soar over Lake Placid1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Live music in Mid's Park with the All Night Boogie Band5:00 p.m. | 4th of July Parade. Starts on Parkside Drive and runs to Saranac Avenue.6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Patriotic Inline Skating on the Olympic Oval9:30 p.m. | Set the Night to Music Fireworks Spectacular over Mirror Lake. This is in its 3rd decade! Adding to the day’s festivities is the I Love New York Horse Show at the North Elba Show Grounds, running June 30 – July 5. On July 4, spectators can enjoy world-class competitions beginning at 8:00 a.m. Supporting the Independence Day celebration, the Olympic Center will be illuminated throughout the weekend.According to Catherine Ericson, ROOST community liaison and member of the organizing committee, it’s important that the event feels like a true hometown celebration, while also acknowledging the nation’s 250th birthday. “This day celebrates a significant milestone in our nation’s history,” she said. “The event is also about bringing people together to celebrate our town’s local history and legacy in a fun and visible way throughout the community. The parade itself is always an exciting part of the celebration. We welcome everyone from local businesses and scout troops to workplace teams and groups of friends to join in. It’s an opportunity to showcase the creativity, pride, and energy that define this community.”The holiday wouldn’t be complete without the ever-popular Fourth of July parade at 5:00 p.m. along Main Street. The parade route begins on Parkside Drive near the Olympic Center and ends at the intersection of Main Street and Saranac Avenue. Past and present Olympians will take part in the parade. Immediately following the parade, there will be a meet and greet with athletes at the Olympic Oval. Posters will be available for autographs! Capping off the evening, Lake Placid’s Set the Night to Music Fireworks Spectacular will illuminate the skies over Mirror Lake at 9:30 p.m. The music will be simulcast on LAKE FM; listeners can tune in on their portable radio or on speakers throughout the village. According to ROOST Communications Manager Jane Hooper, small towns and villages offer the quintessential American experience. “Spending July 4 in Lake Placid, arguably one of our nation’s best ‘small-town USA’ villages, allows community members and visitors the shared experience of taking part in a fun celebratory event. Locals, visitors, friends, neighbors, parents, grandparents, kids and even the family dog all come together to celebrate. Visitors to the region become our friends and neighbors when we all celebrate together,” she said. A full schedule of events can be found by visiting: lakeplacid.com/events/4th-of-july-in-lake-placidContact Catherine Ericson at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) via email catherine@roostadk.com to register for the parade. Please include your name, group name, contact info, and note whether you will be entering a float or walking/biking.

The fifth annual Tri-Lakes Pride event will take place on Sunday, June 28 from 12 - 4 p.m. in Saranac Lake. The event features a celebration through downtown, ending at Riverside Park where speakers, exhibitors and entertainment will celebrate the region’s diversity. The event concludes with a dance party in the park from 3 - 4 p.m.The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from across the Adirondacks, along with their families, friends, local elected officials, supportive organizations, businesses, and other allies.According to Event Coordinator Jordanna Mallach, proceeds from the event will benefit three local organizations focused on food insecurity in the region: Saranac Lake Interfaith Food Pantry, Tupper Lake Community Food Pantry, and Lake Placid Thrive and Thrift. “We know so many people across our community are struggling. We’ve decided that revenue from exhibit space will be divided among these organizations,” she said. Organizers will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and hygiene products along with monetary donations, with checks made directly payable to any or all of the specific organizations supported.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. Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in taking part in the parade should contact Johnna Macdougall at macdougalljohnna@gmail.com.According to Mallach, the event has historically attracted a number of businesses and a diverse slate of organizations that provide various resources, information, and support for local community members. Exhibit space is still available. Participants can obtain a 10-foot x 10-foot space for $25 and must provide their own tent, chairs, and tables. “We are always hoping to add more business participants,” commented Mallach. According to Mallach the event is open to everyone. “The LGBTQI+ community is so inclusive; we genuinely hope that people from all walks of life come out to celebrate,” commented Mallach. “The event is designed to celebrate diversity and, by definition, that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone. The more, the merrier.”Mallach explained that organizers are looking for people willing to volunteer their time on the day of the pride event. “We are so grateful for all of the support to date - so many have offered their time and expertise,” she said. “We’d certainly love to hear from people who may be interested in volunteering during the event itself, as it’s an incredibly busy day.” Businesses or organizations that would like more information about exhibit space, or who are willing to volunteer during the event are encouraged to reach out to Jordanna Mallach at trilakespride@gmail.com.

The Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows are returning to the North Elba Show Grounds for the 57th time this summer, bringing nearly 1,000 horses and their riders to the Adirondacks. The equestrian competitions will take place over two weeks, between June 23 and July 5, with more than $700,000 in prize money awarded.The Lake Placid Horse Show (LPHS) takes place from June 23 - 28, beginning at 8:00 a.m. each day. The event will feature two weeks of Olympic-level equestrian competition. The I Love NY Horse Show is scheduled to take place from June 30 - July 5, also beginning at 8:00 a.m.; ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. each day. There will be no competition on June 29.Tickets to the events may be purchased at the gate. Admission is as follows: free admission on Tuesdays; Wednesday - Friday $8, Saturday - Sunday $12. Veterans receive a 50% discount. Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Organizers are hosting “Community Appreciation Day sponsored by Uihlein Foundation” on Saturday, June 27 with free admission for local residents, a dog costume contest, and other family activities.Bleacher seating is available around four separate show rings. Guests are also welcome to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for a relaxed viewing experience. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are also welcome.Competitors, their families, vendors, and spectators will enjoy recent upgrades to the horse show grounds, designed to accommodate world-class performances in any weather condition. The facility has undergone a significant renovation project over the past two years which includes a complete redesign of the grounds, an all-weather grand prix ring, new hunter rings, and expanded warm-up arenas. Renovations also include enhancements to the stabling area and vendor area set to debut this summer. The newly designed and constructed clubhouse and VIP pavilion will welcome this year’s competitors and spectators. The enclosed, modern facility has been designed to elevate the exhibitor and spectator experience, along with space for spectator services, catering and event administration and operations. Guests can look forward to a new space, expanded dining options, upgraded VIP experiences, additional Wi-Fi access points, and the opportunity to reserve tables for each barn. This new clubhouse replaces the original structure built in the early 1980s. “Community Appreciation Day is a way to help celebrate all the improvements made to the horse shows over the past two years,” said Philip Richter, chairman of LPHS, Inc. “We want to show our appreciation to the local community for their ongoing support. From competition ring and stabling area upgrades which the horse show undertook, to the new clubhouse which the Town of North Elba provided with financial support from the state, we now have a whole new show grounds. This has led to increased popularity of the horse show and that is translating to more riders, more horses, more sponsors, and more visitors to Lake Placid and the surrounding areas. In recognition of this successful community partnership, we invite everyone in the community to come to the horse show and enjoy all we have to offer, especially on Community Appreciation Day which will have free admission and lots of family fun attractions!”LPHSA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. Further information is available by calling the Lake Placid Horse Shows at 518-523-9625 or online at www.lakeplacidhorseshows.org.