The 52nd Lake George Winter Carnival kicks-off this Saturday, Feb. 2, with opening ceremonies in Shepard Park at 12 noon. A stretch of Arctic air earlier this month froze the lake’s surface, bringing out the ice anglers and the prospect of true Adirondack winter weather for the month long event, but a warm and rainy spell has cleared the Village of snow and may force the Winter Carnival Committee to modify its schedule. Nonetheless, the Committee has, in the past, proved its resourcefulness when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, and Carnival goers can expect a full-schedule of activities no matter what the weather.
This first weekend features the Carnival’s signature event, the highly competitive outhouse races. Five-person teams – two to push, two to pull, and one to sit on the pot – race their privies along an ice-slicked track. The races are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Other activities scheduled for Saturday include a chili cook-off in Shepard Park. Chili fans will have the opportunity to try the creations of local eateries and cast a vote for their favorite.
The Winter Carnival parade begins at 4 p.m. at the south end of the village and will proceed up Canada Street to Shepard Park. A bonfire on the beach follows the parade. Fireworks over the lake shoot-off at 6:30 Saturday evening.
The Lake George Winter Carnival runs every weekend through February. Zumba, face painting, tethered hot air balloon rides and chilly dives into the lake are scheduled each weekend. Visit the Lake George Winter Carnival website for a complete listing of events and activities.
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