2012 Saranac Lake, NY ... Winter Carnival ....

   ..... if you have never been, then you need to go ....it's a must do!

This is a shining example of what a community can do to draw in crowds of people who just want to have fun in the dead of winter. The spirit of the Winter Carnival is infectious.     Each year there is a theme to the carnival  ... Invasion of the Aliens was front and center this year. 

 For weeks before the actual Winter Carnival celebration, people from the community volunteer their time and talents to build what is always an impressive ice palace. Mother Nature kept everyone guessing as to whether she was going to help produce enough ice on the lake for blocks to be cut to create the ice palace. She did and the ice palace was erected for children and adults to enjoy!

One of the main events of Carnival is the parade. The parade brings out everyone.  Balconies, windows, sidewalks, the streets for a mile, people are everywhere ... ready to cheer  and sing and dance ,,,, and love the  spirit of the event.

People march, bands play, floats and people ... candy, Frisbees, footballs, ticker tape ...

  ..... clowns .... characters ... creativity ... it's all there.

It's a sense of community, it's a celebration ... it's something that you have to experience! 

I dare you to be present and not dance to the music ... especially with the Lawn Chair Ladies!   

Hats off to you Saranac Lake .... you did it again!

I love my home town and am always happy to return.