Saranac Lake: 2nd annual Lake Clear Day

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By Diane Chase

Last year Lake Clear’s Charlie’s Inn transformed into a bustling train depot of years’ past with a stagecoach, 1912 taxi and even hotelier Paul Smith greeting visitors. Well, he wasn’t the real Paul Smith. We were still able to gain quite a bit of knowledge regarding the importance of the Lake Clear Train Depot and the role it played for the Paul Smith’s Hotel.

The event features live music, plenty of food, period games, and vendors. A special children’s activity to look forward to is the “Thomas the Train” race. Kids can paint small wooden train engines and later race against each other.  New this year is local storytellers sharing Lake Clear history for all to enjoy. There is a complete schedule of events at Charlie’s Inn, www.charlies-inn.com.

Inside the Lake Clear Train Depot is an exact miniature replica of the Lake Clear Depot and surrounding houses, circa 1911. This year Wayne Tucker has expanded the model train diorama to showcase not only the Lake Clear train lines but also to include the original 500-room Paul Smith’s Hotel, lower St. Regis Lake and boathouse. Look for the trolley route that Paul Smith used to transport his guests from the depot to his hotel from 1906-1930.

For a bit of excitement there will be a High Rail truck on site giving rides on the train tracks. Anyone that has not seen the Lake Clear to Tupper Lake train route will be able to get a brief glimpse into a different side of Lake Clear. The 2nd annual Lake Clear Day will take place on Sunday, July 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Charlie’s Inn. Lake Clear Day is free and open to the public.

© Diane Chase, author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series Adirondack Family Time™ available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities.

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