Adirondack Family Time™

Paul Smith's College students will be giving away CFL light bulbs on March 3rd 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. so go check out The Community Store and see what else is being offered.

By Diane Chase, Adirondack Family Activities™   For a family mountain, Old Forge’s McCauley Mountain can’t be beat.  With an elevation of 2,330’ McCauley has something to offer everyone in our family.  The terrain park is the first thing we see as we pull into the parking area but we quickly pass it to the lifts and make the most of the day.  There is one double chairlift and one T-Bar that access all 20 trails and a Rope Tow for the Mighty Mite. The second T-Bar is at the terrain park area. My kids are well past the Mighty Mite but it is still sweet to see that special place right in the middle of the mountain for those beginner skiers.

Would your 11 to 17-year old like to go to Environmental Conservation Camp? Here is a chance to win a full scholarship to a week at either Camp Colby in Saranac Lake or Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg. Deadline to enter is March 7. 

Don't forget to help stop hunger at the 2nd annual North Country Food Pantry Benefit. Eleven musicians are donating their amazing talents for a free concert. Your cost is to bring a nonperishable food item or donation to the food pantry. Come and go! The concert (February 25) starts at noon and continues to 8:00 p.m. at the Saranac Lake Harrietown Town Hall. Help fight hunger! This year’s line-up is impressive. Drop by the Harrietstown Town Hall to see Cameron Anderson, Shamrock House Band, Theresa Hartford, Rustic Riders, Celia Evans, Eric and the Dutchman, Jamie Savage, Roy Hurd, Blind Owl Band and the Ruff, Good Daques Band. There will be refreshments available for purchase through Paul Smith’s College and SODEXO with all proceeds benefiting local food pantries. There will be another musical benefit in the spring to benefit the Tupper Lake Food Pantry. 

Annual Indian Lake Winterfest    Feburary 17-19, 2012 Friday: Mardi Gras Parade 4:30pm, Pasta Dinner at the Legion Hall 5:00pm, Movie at IL Theater 7:00pm. Saturday: Breakfast at the Firehall 7:00-10:00am, Snowarrior Poker Run starts at Byron Park 9:00am, Craft Fair at IL School Cafeteria 10:00-3:00pm, Book and Bake Sale at the Town Hall 10:00-2:00pm, Roast Beef Dinner at the Methodist Church 5:00pm, Gallery Reception and Dance Party at Adk. Lakes Center for the Arts (Blue Mountain Lake) 5:00pm, Tricky Tray at IL School Gym doors open at 6:30pm, Movie at Indian Lake Theater 7:00pm. Sunday: Breakfast at the Firehall 7:00-11:00am, Games and Fun for grade school age kids at the Ski Hut 1:00pm, Make Your Own Sled Races on the sliding slope at 3:00pm, Jalapeno Eating Contest at Marty's Chili Nights at 3:00pm, Bon Fire, Torch Run and Fireworks at the Ski Hut 6:30pm. FREE skating, skiing and sliding all weekend and during President's Week on Tower Hill, weather permitt

The Paul Smith's VIC has instituted a No-School Day Junior ADK Steward Program. On Tuesday, February 21, join Sarah Keyes, Paul Smith's VIC naturalist for a full day program (9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)  of outdoor activities geared toward 6-10 year-olds. There will be arts and crafts, snowshoeing and other activities. Bring your own lunch though snacks will be provided.  The costs is $20/$25 for non-members. Call 518-327-5241 or email skeyes@paulsmiths.edu for more information! © Diane Chase, author of Adirondack Family Time: Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities) for the towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Jay/Upper Jay, Wilmington, Keene/Keene Valley which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the second guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities.