This year the 2010 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival's theme will be "Adirondack Cowboys."  This spectacular festival has grown from a one day event to one that now lasts ten full days.  The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will take place from February 5th through February 14th.

This year The Saranac Winter Carnival will feature the Ice Palace lighting, fireworks, music, performances, various sporting events, parades and much more.  Visit The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival's official website for all the details. http://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/

The Schedule of events can be found by visiting this link: http://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/schedule/

The Ice Palace even has a web cam so that you can view the construction.  Visit: http://www.adksearch.com/new/

It is true that the run off is not good but they make eco friendly road salt now. A lot of areas use salt, not just the North Country. Like it or not salt is the best way to beat the elements on the road! 

Sand is much better for our environment.

Not sure if it is still true or not but I remember outside of Plattsburgh (in the Adirondacks) they would use sand because of the damage the salt can cause to the ground/plants/animals.

I Seem to have read somewhere that only New England uses salt - the Upper Mid-West states don't - are there alternatives - what do they use in Minnesota - North Dakota etc?

Tim,

I am glad I wasn't the only one who saw this! I agree with you as of now, but we have to see what the City says about their salt. I am not 100% sure, and correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think the City ran out of salt last year. They just used sand more to save the salt for really bad storms. The guy from the town said to be prepared for a bad winter driving wise because of the salt prices.

Here is the story for all of those interested.

http://www.wptz.com/news/17532387/detail.html

This morning I heard that the Town of Plattsburgh is worried that they may not be able to afford enough salt for this winter because of the increase in prices... I seem to remember hearing a couple months ago that the City of Plattsburgh decided to purchase salt early because within the week it was expected that Salt prices would increase sharpley.  I am wondering why one governmental entity was privy to this increase and the other was not... actually I wonder why I was aware of the increase (thanks to WPTZ and or the Press Republican) and yet the town sat idley by?  I do not live in the town, if I did I would be very upset that well... they baisically waisted tax payer money by waiting until now to purchase salt.

Yeah, that was a virtual driving range from what I had heard (practice for improving your game).  As far as I know, they are no longer open.

Before I say this I wanto to remind you that I moved out of the area for a few years... That being said there used to be an in door golf course near the Sherrifs office.  I have not heard one way or another if it is still open.  If you are into golf it is a good activity for the winter.

Yes, I agree the mini-putt behind the Comfort Inn is overgrown, but I played it once when they first opened years ago and it was such a challenge and so much fun.  I'd like to see them take better care of it and promote that it's there, so it could be kept going.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have something like that could be made available inside, for a winter activity?  As far as I know, you have to belong to a gym or enjoy bowling to be able to stay active indoors during winter the months around here.