Get your groove on...

The month of February in Saranac Lake kicks off with the longest running winter carnival in the USA. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has grown over the years to a full-on 10-day celebration of everything winter and then some. Each year the winter carnival committee chooses a theme nearly a year ahead of time to give everyone involved a chance to come up with costumes, floats, themed events and entertainment. This year's theme is "Groovy 60's."

Photos below offer a taste of what's in store during Saranac Lake Winter Carnival:

The annual pin design for each year's carnival is created by Saranac Lake native Gary Trudeau, creator of the popular comic series Doonesbury. Pins are sold to raise funds for the carnival organizing committee. 

Pins are available for purchase in many locations around the community. 

The three most popular events of the Carnival, and drawing the biggest crowds, are the two fireworks displays above the Ice Palace at opening and closing of the Carnival, and the Gala Parade, celebrating the event in grand style. The parade features floats, bands, entertainers, civic groups and more, all decorated and dressed with the theme Groovy 60's in mind. The parade is an amazing gathering of huge crowds of onlookers and partiers, also dressed in themed attire. If you don't attend any events but one, this is the one not to miss. 

More than 80 individual events fall under the umbrella of Winter Carnival. Make sure to check the online calendar for the details of all the festivities for the 10 days and prepare to get your groove on. What a fun theme this year!

 Now get your skis on!

After winding down from Carnival, trek over to Dewey Mountain XC Ski Center every Wednesday in February, buy a trail pass for just $5 and get FREE ski rentals at Hyde Fuel's Free Ski Rental Night. Every wanted to try XC skiing? This is your chance to do it very inexpensively. All are welcome - the more the merrier! Also at Dewey, don't miss the weekly Friday Night Ski Jams. Music, food and lighted trails for night skiing, all kicking off at 6:30 pm.

Skiing is what it's all about here in the winter. To continue with the ski theme, the Paul Smiths Visitor Interpretive Center hosts its annual Chili Ski Fest on Saturday, February 21. The festivities begin at 9 am with skiing and chefs looking to clinch the Golden Chili Pot award in the chili cook-off. It's only $10 for the chili event, or free if you have a ski trail pass.

start thinking maple!

The end of February traditionally has New York residents thinking about all things maple. Days with a hint of Spring in the air help fuel the maple fever as we near the season of warm days and cold nights which turn on the flow of sap in the sugar maples. It's the perfect time for a class in Maple Sugaring and Maple Training. If you've always thought about tapping those trees in the back yard but weren't sure how to go about it, this is for you! You'll learn about modern methods of getting into this sweet hobby. Who knows, it could even lead to a business if you've got enough maples at your disposal!

Get a room!

Since you won't want to miss a minute of Winter Carnival or anything else happening in February, you'll definitely want to get a room and plan to stay a few days. Check out all our activites, especially the popular Saranac Lake 6'er Challenge for hikers who want to conquer all of Saranac Lake's tallest peaks. Also make sure to check the entire events list so you don't miss a thing! Winter in the Adirondacks is not to be missed, so we hope to see you soon!