The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee this week launched a fundraiser to help benefit the development of a new website. Committee members will be selling copies of Andy Flynn’s new book, “Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Memories,” which will be released in July 2013.

Now is the best time to order a copy – 50% of presales will benefit the Committee’s new website. Presales are being taken until the book release party in July (date TBA). The cost is $24.95. Shipping is $5 per book.

This 440-page book answers the question, “What is the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival?” Flynn uses the 2012 and 2013 Winter Carnivals as examples of how this 10-day festival is operated. The 10 chapters are: The Theme; Carnival Committee; Ice Palace; Royalty; Gala Parade; Other Events; Community Life; Some History; Mementos; and The Future. “Memories” includes 75 interviews, more than 350 photos, essays by Andy Flynn, a timeline of Winter Carnival events since 1897, and submissions by local historians.

Order copies for local pickup (Saranac Lake area) from Winter Carnival Committee members or Andy Flynn at (518) 891-5559. Order copies that need to be shipped at the Hungry Bear Publishing website.

Members of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee April 17 picked “Celtic Carnival” as a theme for the 2014 Carnival.

The theme was chosen from a slate of the top five ideas generated at the Committee’s March meeting: Adirondack Fiesta, Age of Aquarius (the 1960s), Ancient Egypt, Celtic Carnival and Wizards & Dragons in the Mountains.

“We asked the community which of the ideas they would like to see, and there was a clear favorite,” said Eric Foster, Winter Carnival Committee Chairman. “We are pleased to announce Celtic Carnival as the theme for next year and are looking forward to an exciting and fun celebration.”

When paring down the theme ideas, Committee members weighed a number of factors, including whether a theme could fit well in the parade and the construction of the Ice Palace and generate suitable music for the slide show and the myriad of festivities during the 10-day-long event. They also took into consideration several polls taken throughout the community, such as the online poll sponsored by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. As always, the Committee thanks the Enterprise for its assistance in choosing a theme.

The Enterprise poll results were: Celtic Carnival, 32 percent; Adirondack Fiesta, 21 percent; Wizards & Dragons in the Mountains, 19 percent; Age of Aquarius, 15 percent; and Ancient Egypt, 11 percent.

The word “Celtic” refers to the Six Celtic Nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Brittany. This is the second international-based theme in the history of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. In 1994, the theme was “Sister City Celebration,” referring to Saranac Lake’s sister city of Entrains-sur-Nohain, France.

The 2014 Carnival will take place Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 9.

It’s time to vote on the Adirondack Daily Enterprise website poll for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival theme.

The choices are: Adirondack Fiesta, Age of Aquarius (1960s), Ancient Egypt, Celtic Carnival and Wizards & Dragons in the Mountains. You can also check “undecided.”

Thanks to Managing Editor Peter Crowley and the rest of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise staff for their ongoing support of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival since 1898.

Community members will again have a chance to vote on the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival theme this year, as Winter Carnival Committee members Wednesday, March 20 chose five potential theme ideas for 2014.

Since the end of the 2013 Carnival, Committee members collected dozens of theme ideas, some that were resubmitted from past years and others that were collected fresh from the community this year. With each member casting three votes, five theme ideas rose to the top.

In alphabetical order, they are: Adirondack Fiesta, Age of Aquarius (1960s), Ancient Egypt, Celtic Carnival, and Wizards & Dragons in the Mountains.

Those interested in voting for their favorite theme from this list can either contact a Committee member with their selection or submit a vote on the Winter Carnival Facebook page or through the contact section on the Carnival’s website: www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

It is also tradition in Saranac Lake for readers of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise to vote for their favorite theme in an online poll at www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com. It should be online in early April. The Winter Carnival Committee will use the poll results to make its final decision on the 2014 Winter Carnival theme. The dates of the poll have not yet been chosen. For now, Facebook users can vote on the Winter Carnival Facebook page.

“This year, the community suggested more than 50 theme ideas that came into the Committee through Facebook, emails and conversations,” said newly elected Committee Chairman Eric Foster. “The enthusiasm and imagination were terrific. It was a challenge to narrow the list down.  We would like to get the community’s view on their favorite for 2014.”

The votes will be then tallied for the Committee’s April 17 meeting at the high school, where members will make a final decision. The 2014 Winter Carnival will take place Jan. 31 to Feb. 9.

Dear Winter Carnival community:

Work has begun on developing a new Saranac Lake Winter Carnival website. It needs to be updated if we are to meet the ever-growing demands of the digital age.

But we need your help.

Since 1897, this volunteer-based event has grown into a world-class Winter Carnival, No. 2 in the world, according to National Geographic Traveler magazine. It’s time we had an exciting, world-class website to fit that description. After all, travelers are watching us through the lens of the Internet before they decide to visit.

Adapting our online presence to mobile devices is only one item on our wish list. We also hope to offer:

*a more user-friendly calendar of events;

*a webcam of the Ice Palace construction;

*online registration for events;

*maps with directions to all the Carnival events;

*online shopping for Winter Carnival buttons and other souvenirs;

*and live streaming of the fireworks and Gala Parade.

Nothing can compare with being at Winter Carnival, but if you can’t make it to Saranac Lake for our 10-day party in February, this will be the next best thing.

Our current website doesn’t have these capabilities, so it’s time to develop a new website to keep you connected to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee will be holding fundraisers throughout the year, with the first one being planned for Daffest this spring in Riverside Park.

HOW TO HELP

If you love Winter Carnival as much as we do, please send a donation to:

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee

PO Box 829

Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Please mark “website donation” on the memo line of your check.

Thanks for your help. We hope to launch the new website in time for the 2014 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, Jan. 31 – Feb. 9.

Sincerely,

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee

The next meeting of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 in the large group instruction room of the Saranac Lake High School. This meeting was originally scheduled for March 6 but was recently changed.

Ice Palace as seen around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013

The lights have been removed from the Ice Palace, and it was knocked down earlier today.

The last vestiges of another Saranac Lake Winter Carnival are history.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible, everyone who participated in the various events and everyone who attended.  Hope you all had a great time.  Jan. 31, 2014 is not that far away.

Village workers closed the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace Friday due to structural concerns. The area has been roped off, and there is no admittance. However, the lights will remain on at night until they are removed. Again, it’s important that people stay on the outside of the roped area at the Ice Palace due to safety concerns.

We will post updates on this website as they become available.

Thank you.

The Ice Palace was examined on Monday, Feb. 18 and remains structurally sound so we are optimistic that it will be open and lit through this coming weekend. If anything changes, we will post further information to the website as it becomes available.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee would like to thank all the people who made the 2013 “Under the Sea” event such a wonderful success, including the attendees, participants, sponsors, volunteers, venues, businesses, vendors, schools, chambers of commerce/visitors bureaus, government workers, police, media and community organizations.

Don’t forget that you can re-live the 2013 Winter Carnival on Thursday, Feb. 14 at Saranac Village at Will Rogers. Carnival photographer Mark Kurtz will present his slide show at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

In the meantime, the Winter Carnival Committee will update you on the theme-picking process for 2014 when it gets under way.

The Royal Dance of the Hokey Pokey in the Winter Carnival Kiddie Parade. Feb 10, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took photos of the Winter Carnival Kiddie Parade on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Chris Covert rode in style as the Parade Grand Marshall. Feb 9, 2013

Mark Kurtz took photos of Winter Carnival Gala Parade on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

One of the ginger bread men was a popular at the ice palace on Saturday morning. Feb. 9, 2013

Mark Kurtz took photos of Winter Carnival Events on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

A lot of people are wondering about the best places to park in Saranac Lake during the Winter Carnival Gala Parade, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Download a PDF of the village parking map.

Remember, at noon the police will be closing Main Street (from River Street to Church Street), Broadway/Route 86 (from Main Street to Trudeau Road), and LaPan Highway/Route 3 (from Main Street to Canaras Avenue). Closures will remain until the end of the parade. Detours will be marked by signs. Plan accordingly.

Following a tradition of over 80 years, the Rotary Dancers made their annual appearance at the 2013 Winter Carnival Rotary Show. Feb. 8, 2013

Mark Kurtz took photos of Winter Carnival Events on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee could not hold its mid-winter festival without the generous support of the community. Jeff Letson, of the Can-Am Rugby Tournament, stopped by the Committee's Jan. 9 meeting to give a $500 donation to the Winter Carnival. Above, Committee member Patti Reynolds accepts the check from Letson. (Photo by Mark Kurtz)

Can-Am Rugby is one of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival’s newest supporters, donating $500 this year to help put on the annual event. Moreover, the group has created a new and exciting event, which we hope will be an annual draw to Saranac Lake – the Snow Rugby Game, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Petrova Fields.

“We are proud to be working with Can-Am Rugby,” said Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Chairman Jeff Dickson. “Winter Carnival is a chance to showcase the best Saranac Lake has to offer, and Can-Am Rugby is one of Saranac Lake’s best institutions.”

The annual Can-Am Rugby Tournament is Saranac Lake’s biggest event in the summertime, drawing hundreds of visitors to the Adirondacks each year, and is one of the largest and best-run rugby events in the world with more than 100 teams competing on fields in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. This year’s event – the 40^th annual – will be held Aug. 2-4. Learn more about Can-Am Rugby at www.canamrugby.com.

SARANAC LAKE – The show must go on, and it will for the “Under the Sea” crowd at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival this weekend.

“Despite rumors swirling about like a tidal whirlpool, all Saranac Lake Winter Carnival events will go on as planned, even with Winter Storm Nemo lurking in the Atlantic waters,” said Winter Carnival Chairman Jeff Dickson. “Yet we certainly caution people to travel with care. We want everyone to arrive in Saranac Lake safely.”

The Winter Carnival schedule this weekend includes the popular Winter Carnival Rotary Show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, the Gala Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, the Cape Air/American Management Association Carnival Slide Show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, and the Guide Boat Realty Storming of the Palace Fireworks Display at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

“As far as we know right now, the shows will go on,” Dickson said. “Yet, if for some reason we have to cancel something, we will post it on the Winter Carnival website. That’s the best place to find all the latest Winter Carnival news.”

Get the latest forecast from the NWS for Saranac Lake.

The Weather Channel is calling Winter Storm Nemo a “historic, crippling blizzard,” yet most of the damage will be felt in New England. The Adirondacks still should expect upwards of a foot of snow and high winds, mostly on Friday.

The medalists in the children's classes of the Curtis Lumber Snowshoe Races pose with the Winter Carnival Royalty. Feb 6, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took photos of Winter Carnival Events on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Which is your favorite Saranac Lake Winter Carnival button? Vote here on our Facebook page.

2013 BUTTON LOCATIONS

Winter Carnival buttons are on sale at these Saranac Lake locations: Winter Carnival Headquarters (141 River St.), Ace hardware, Adirondack Bank Main St., Adirondack Bank Church St., Adult Center, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Adirondack Wine and Liquor, Amanda’s Village Motel, Ampersound, Bear Essentials, Belvedere Restaurant, Bloomin Market, Blue Line Sports Shop, Blue Moon Café, Captain Cooks, Chamber of Commerce, First Niagara Bank Main St., Eco Living, Fusion Market, Goody-Goody’s, Community Bank, Hyde’s Mobil Lake Flower Ave., Hyde’s Mobil Broadway, Kinney Drugs, K&E Enterprise, Lake View Deli, Maurice’s, McKenzie’s Restaurant, NBT Bank, Norman’s Store, Post Office Pharmacy, Rice Furniture, Saranac Lake Discount Liquor, Waterhole, and Saranac Village at Will Rogers. The buttons are $3 each.

Also, some of the past years’ buttons are for sale at the Winter Carnival HQ at 141 River St., Saranac Lake.

MAIL ORDER

Anyone interested in ordering buttons by mail should contact Barbara Martin, 230 Broadway, Saranac Lake NY 12983, (518) 891-2382. The cost for postage is: 1-5 buttons, $3; 6-9 buttons, $6; and 10 buttons or more, $8. Checks should be made out to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee.

Weather Channel reporter Stephanie Abrams interviews Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee Chairman Jeff Dickson Tuesday morning, Feb. 5, live on the air at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid while lugers practice on the track for the World Cup luge races this weekend. The Weather Channel also interviewed Olympic Regional Development Authority spokesman Jon Lundin and USA Luge assistant coach Duncan Kennedy. Abrams spent Monday learning how to luge with USA Luge team member Erin Hamlin and reported live Tuesday from 5:30 to 11 a.m. (Photo by Andy Flynn)

In terms of publicity, the perfect storm has hit the Adirondacks.

Extreme Winter Weather Week on The Weather Channel (TWC), combined with wintry conditions and a number of events taking place in the area this week, has brought the cable network to the region.

TWC will telecast live on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from Mount Van Hoevenberg, outside Lake Placid. The crew, including Wake Up With Al co-host Stephanie Abrams, will report from the combined luge, bobsled and skeleton track from 5:30 – 11 AM. The venue will host World Cup luge racing on Friday and Saturday.

Scheduled live guests include Duncan Kennedy, of the USA Luge coaching staff; Jon Lundin, PR coordinator of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA); and Jeff Dickson, chairman of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee.

The segments will incorporate live interviews with recorded segments at the Saranac Lake Ice Palace, dog sledding on Mirror Lake and more around the two communities.

TWC made its base in Lake Placid, and spent the weekend and Monday shooting numerous activities.

Among the highlights will be a learn-to-luge piece that will find 2009 World Champion Erin Hamlin, of Remsen, N.Y. coaching Abrams on the fine art of luge.

A very busy week in the Northern Adirondacks, with the involvement of Empire State Winter Games organizers, ORDA, USA Luge and the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, helped TWC make its decision on a trip to the North Country.

This week promises to provide a number of entertaining events for residents and visitors alike. In addition to World Cup luge; the Empire State Winter Games begin Thursday evening in the Lake Placid Olympic Center; the ROCK 105 Adirondack International Toboggan Championships, presented by High Peaks Dental Care, will occur in Lake Placid Friday night; and the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival continues through the weekend, including a parade on Saturday afternoon and fireworks finale Sunday night.

A TV crew for the Weather Channel interviews Saranac Lake Winter Carnival King Lee Foster at the Ice Palace on Sunday, Feb. 3.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee Monday, Feb. 4 listed a full set of Garry Trudeau-designed Winter Carnival buttons on the eBay auction website to raise money for the annual event.

The highly collectible set includes all buttons from 1981 to 2013, plus a bonus button from 1980 that Trudeau did not design. The award-winning author of the “Doonesbury” cartoon, Trudeau was raised in Saranac Lake.

“Other than a set being conserved for our own archives, this is the only full set in our possession,” said Winter Carnival Chairman Jeff Dickson. “Should we manage to assemble another set, we can guarantee that it will not be offered for sale for at least a year. This is truly a unique opportunity that any Garry Trudeau fan would welcome.”

The starting bid for this set is $750. The sale includes a signed certificate from Garry Trudeau on Doonesbury letterhead (dated Jan. 20, 2013) that states: “With appreciation for your support of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.” Most of the set is in excellent condition; however, there are a few stains on the 1983 button, which is the rarest of all the buttons.

“As always, we are extremely grateful to Garry for his eye-catching designs and his ongoing support of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival,” Dickson said.

The listing can be viewed online at www.ebay.com and is titled “Saranac Lake Winter Carnival full Garry Trudeau button set.” The seven-day auction ends around 6:10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. The direct link is http://www.ebay.com/itm/221186107013?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649. All proceeds go to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee.

King Lee Foster and Queen Cherie Racette take a moment from their royal duties to pose with two of the teams at the H&R Block Ultimate Frisbee Games on Sunday afternoon. Feb 3, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took photos of Winter Carnival Events on Sunday, Feb.3, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Winter Carnival Princess Anastasia Hull winds up for her toss at the Ladies Fry Pan Toss. Feb 2, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took photos of the Winter Carnival Events on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

2013 Winter Carnival poster

There are now only 5 signed posters by “Doonesbury” cartoonist Garry Trudeau available. That includes one that is slightly damaged and will be sold at a small discount. In all, 100 signed posters were produced.

Raffle tickets are available for posters #1 and #100 at Winter Carnival Headquarters, 141 River St. A total of 100 raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each.

There are also plenty of unsigned posters for both 2012 and 2013 available at the Winter Carnival Headquarters.

Anyone looking to purchase a signed poster should contact Jeff Dickson at 891-4344.  Signed posters are $50, and unsigned ones are $15. Shipping is $5 per poster. Unsigned posters are available by contacting Dickson or at Ampersound.

All proceeds benefit the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

IPW 101 (Ice Palace Workers Local 101) work shown brightly under a spectacular opening Guide Boat Realty Fireworks display this evening. The volunteer palace workers performed yet another miracle with ice after battling back after mid 50s temperatures 4 days ago and brought the palace back to its full glory. Feb. 2, 2013

Above is Mark Kurtz’s photo of the Guide Boat Realty Fireworks display Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.  See more photos of the day on the Photos of the Day page. Great shot, Mark!

Some of the ice palace workers (this is only a few!) took a moment to gather for their portrait toward the end of the last day of building. The colorfully lit palace lighting took place under a brilliant Guide Boat Realty Fireworks display this evening. Feb. 2, 2013

Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. In Saranac Lake, our biggest heroes over the past week came in the form of the Ice Palace Workers (IPW) Local 101 team, which rebuilt the Ice Palace after a recent thaw, braving below-zero temperatures for hours on end. We can’t thank them enough.

The trials and tribulations of building an Ice Palace is not nearly comparable to the Battle of Britain in World War II; however, in our war with the weather this past week, Winston Churchill’s words from 1940 resound when you realize how much effort it took to make sure our residents and visitors have a beautiful Ice Palace for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Our conflict was Man vs. Nature not Man vs. Man, but we all owe so much to the few brave men and women of the IPW Local 101.

Above is Mark Kurtz’s photo of some members of the IPW Local 101 Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.  See more photos of the day on the Photos of the Day page.

The last blocks of ice are cut from Pontiac Bay for the 2013 ice palace. Feb. 2, 2013

Mark Kurtz took photos of the Ice Palace construction Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Despite rumors and recent media reports, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace will be lit on schedule today at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. Ice Palace Chairman Dean Baker confirmed this morning that the Ice Palace will be open to visitors once the fireworks are complete. The IPW Local 101 team is spending most of today finishing the Palace, but it will be ready for the festivities this evening.

Happy Carnival!

The "official" portrait of 2013 Winter Carnival King Lee Foster and Queen Cherie Racette. Feb 1, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took photos at Coronation , Friday, Feb 1, 2013.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

After two days of warm temperatures and high winds, repair work started on Friday morning with a significant turnout of community members. In this image Jeff Branch, Ray Scollin and Mark Simkins work on restoring the tower. Feb. 1, 2013

Mark Kurtz took photos of Ice Palace Workers Local 101 volunteers rebuilding the Ice Palace after the latest thaw.  See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Here’s a message from the Ice Palace Workers Local 101 Facebook page, posted this morning: “Like Phoenix from the ashes, the Palace will rise again! Today we start a rebuild!”

We’re happy to report that there is a nice crowd of volunteers working at the Ice Palace today, slushing the holes between the ice blocks and rebuilding after the two-day thaw. Village crews have dropped off snow for the slush making. And two inmate crews arrived at 10 a.m. to help. The IPW Local 101 is doing a great job.

It’s going to be a wonderful Winter Carnival. Happy Carnival, everyone!

A very royal gathering was held at the Red Fox where Winter Carnival Kings & Queens, Princes & Princesses, Archbishops and Chamberlains from years past all assembled for their annual dinner. Included in this group, in the foreground, was 2012 King Tim Fortune and Queen Kelly Morgan. Jan 31, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took a photo from the Royalty Dinner, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.  See it on the Photos of the Day page.

Local musicians Sue Grimm Hanley and Steve Borst will provide the pre-show entertainment for the annual Winter Carnival Rotary Variety Show, to be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Harrietstown Town Hall.

The Saranac Lake Rotary Club will present its annual Winter Carnival Rotary Show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Harrietstown Town Hall, celebrating this year’s theme of “Under the Sea.”

Steve Borst and Sue Grimm Hanley will provide pre-show entertainment. The Saranac Lake High School Vocal Ensembles will perform under the direction of Drew Benware and will be accompanied on the piano by Tom Delahant. The Improv Group – Matt Sorensen, Stu Rattan and Dylan Duffy – will present “Coming Attractions in Sports.” Adirondack duo George and Elizabeth Cordes will bring new life to musical favorites. The Meter Maids – Cherie LaDuke, Jennifer Scofield, Carla Brassard and Carole Harsh – will offer finger-snapping barbershop quartet tunes. The high-energy band Inisheer – Joel Perkins, Sue Grimm Hanley, Steve Borst, Erik VanYserloo and Philip Perkins – will perform upbeat traditional music from around the world. And finally the Rotary Show Dancers will celebrate the 84th anniversary of dancing for Saranac Lake.

The Winter Carnival royal party will also participate in the festivities. They are the king and queen (to be announced Feb. 1 at the Coronation Ceremony), grand marshal (Chris Covert), archbishop (Kristaps Meimis), chamberlain (Chris Kollmer), princess (Anastasia Hull of Paul Smith’s College), prince (Eric Stender of North Country Community College), elementary school pages (Evelyn Eller, Ruby Smith, Sydney Dann, Nate McCarthy, Ben Isabella and Bailey Bartholomew), attendants to the king and queen (Vanessa Salamy and Nicholas Bayruns), and the other high school court couples: Emily Fountain and Taylor Pellerin; Megan Kilroy and Quinn Urquhart; Annie Frenette and Hajro Cecunjanin; Kylie Sapone and TJ Monroe; Kaileigh Woodruff and Michael Burpoe; Regan Kieffer and Kellen Munn; and Zoe Tyler and Craig Leahy.

Tickets are $13 in advance and $20 at the door. They may be purchased at the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Ampersound, Blue Line Sports, Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Coakley Ace Hardware, Community Bank, the Community Store, EcoLiving, Maurice’s, NBT Bank and Post Office Pharmacy.

The Winter Carnival Rotary Show is a major fundraiser for the Saranac Lake Rotary Club, which gives back to the community through scholarships and helping with projects such as the local skateboard park, Dewey Mountain, continuing improvements to public facilities at the Harrietstown Town Hall, Lift Mount Pisgah, the Community Lunchbox and the Adirondack Carousel. Last year, the show raised $6,000.

In preparation for a day of rain and wind (forecast for Wednesday), tarps were wrapped around the ice palace to protect it from extensive melting. Forecast has Thursday returning to normal temperatures at which time the ice palace work will resume early that morning. Jan 29, 2013.

Mark Kurtz took some photos from the fourth day of Ice Palace construction, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Lowering a block of ice on the tower during the first night of work on the ice palace.

Mark Kurtz took some photos from the third day of Ice Palace construction, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Garrett Foster makes the first cuts on Ponitac By of day 2 building the ice palace. Jan. 27, 2013

Mark Kurtz took some photos from the second day of Ice Palace construction, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. See them on the Photos of the Day page.

2013 grand marshal Chris Covert

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee has chosen local real estate professional Chris Covert as its 2013 grand marshal for the Feb. 9 Gala Parade.

“We chose Chris because of his endless supply of energy for community projects and events and for his longtime support of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival,” said Winter Carnival Committee Chairman Jeff Dickson. “We look forward to having him be our grand marshal.”

Covert was born in Oakland, Calif. when his father was in the U.S. Navy. He grew up in Clinton, N.Y. and would often vacation and explore in the Adirondack Park. Covert spent his first weekend in Saranac Lake in the summer of 1978 at campsite 17 on Lower Saranac Lake and took up residency here in 1986. He is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Saranac Lake and was a founding member and choreographer of the Kiwanis Precision Marching Lawnmower Drill Team, which participated in many Winter Carnival parades throughout the 1990s. Covert is the proud father of hockey-playing Alexandra, a 2011 graduate of the Saranac Lake High School. He is the broker, owner and founder of Guide Boat Realty, LLC on River Street.

“Saranac Lake’s unique combination of health, history and the arts make it the best place to live in the Adirondacks,” Covert said.

Covert served as co-chair and sponsor of the Willard Hanmer Guideboat Races from 2002-2012; has served in the Board of Directors of the Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club since 1992 and on its scholarship committee since 1995; and served on the Board of Directors of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce from 2000 to 2010. He has served on the Franklin County Empire Zone Advisory Board and currently serves on the AEDC loan committee. Covert was also chairperson of the 2009 NYSAHA Tier II Girls U-16 Hockey Tournament and has served on or presided over numerous real estate-related professional organizations. And with all that, he has been a consistent, generous and long-term supporter of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

The public is invited to meet Covert at the Grand Marshal Reception starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Elks Club, Bloomingdale Avenue, which is free and open to the public. The reception will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by the Royalty Dinner. The cost is $30. Make reservations by Feb. 1 by calling 891-4367.

Parade applications are still being accepted and are available online at www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/forms-and-publications.

Ed Woltner of Woltner Summit Contracting and Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee volunteer Jackie Foster will be greeting icicle growers at the annual Spike of the Ice Icicle Contest at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 behind the Ice Palace.

Rumors of the great Tupperware harvest in Tupper Lake have been greatly exaggerated, but the great icicle harvest in Saranac Lake is no myth.

“We’re looking for the largest icicle in the region,” said Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee volunteer Jackie Foster, who coordinates the annual Spike of the Ice Icicle Contest. “And we’re excited to have Woltner Summit Contracting sponsor us again and offer the grand prize.”

The Winter Carnival’s annual Spike of Ice Icicle Contest will be held behind the Ice Palace Sunday, Feb. 3 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Icicles must be transported to the judging site. Judging will take place at 3:30 pm. Icicles must be naturally formed without any internal form of support. The final measurement will be the largest, intact piece of ice (broken pieces won’t be added in). There are two categories – over 18 and under 18 years old – and there are awards for first and second place in each category. The prize for first place in the over 18 category will be a Home Energy Audit (valued at $450), provided by Woltner Summit Contracting (for a residential home only. Not applicable to multiple dwelling or business).

Applications are available HERE.

Kathy Merritt and Hannah Marlow volunteer at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Headquarters, 141 River Street, next to Lakeview Deli.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Headquarters opened for the season on Sunday, Jan. 27 and will remain open until the last day of Carnival, Sunday, Feb. 10.

Located at 141 River St., the Headquarters offers information about the various events of the 10-day festival, which runs from Feb. 1 to 10. The Carnival kicks off Friday, Feb. 1 with the Coronation of Royalty at 7 p.m. in the Harrietstown Town Hall.

“If the Winter Carnival banner is outside, we are open,” said Headquarters Manager Kathy Merritt. “We are extremely grateful to John and Buffy Van Anden for once again letting the Winter Carnival Committee use the building next to Lakeview Deli for our Headquarters. We’re in a perfect location, across the street from the Ice Palace.”

Visitors and residents will find a variety of items for sale at the Headquarters, including Winter Carnival buttons from this year and previous years, fish hats, head boppers, ball caps, winter hats, postcards and long-sleeve shirts. Many of the items are decorated with the Winter Carnival logo. All proceeds go to the Winter Carnival Committee.

The hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of Carnival, and Headquarters will be open later Saturday, Feb. 2 during the lighting of the Ice Palace, which starts at 7 p.m.

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival HQ, 141 River St.

2013 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival ice palace toward the end of the first day of building. Jan. 26, 2013

Mark Kurtz took some photos from the first day of Ice Palace construction, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. See them on the Photos of the Day page.

Members of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee show off the new 2013 banner during their Jan. 23 meeting. The Committee meets one last time — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the high school large group instruction room — before the Carnival begins on Feb. 1. Thanks to Mark Kurtz for this photo.

Members of the Ice Palace Workers (IPW) Local 101 – all volunteers – will begin construction the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Here is a message from the IPW Local 101 Facebook page:

“Dean has asked that all report on Saturday to pull the first blocks from the lake. There just isn’t enough ice and with the cold temps it will take that long to get the required thickness. The plan is for an 8:30 start and a full day of work. If all goes well and enough blocks are cut we may go into the evening hours. So, if you can’t make it down till later in the day you may find there is still plenty to do. Calling all slushers, stackers, saw men, spud men, tractors, wall crew and more; plenty for all to do. As Larry says, lets get ‘er done!”

Meanwhile, Timothy Baker – of www.saranaclakeguide.com – has set up the Ice Palace webcam at the Winter Carnival Headquarters at 141 River St. next to the Lakeview Deli. See the live stream at www.saranaclakeguide.com. Thanks, Tim! And thanks to Deli owners John and Buffy Van Anden for letting the Winter Carnival Committee use their property for the HQ again.

The Winter Carnival HQ will be open from Sunday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Feb. 10.

The building of Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival Ice Palace continues a long tradition started back in 1898. In response to popular demand, a new publication by local author Caperton Tissot, “Saranac Lake’s Ice Palace, a History of Winter Carnival’s Crown Jewel,” is now available to answer the what, where, why, when and how of the building of this extraordinary fortress of ice. With 54 pages of text and 56 black and white photos, this spiral-bound booklet can be purchased for $11.95 at the Winter Carnival Headquarters (at 141 River St. during Carnival); regional Adirondack shops and bookstores or at www.SnowyOwlPress.com. All proceeds benefit the Winter Carnival Ice Palace Fund.

Saranac Lake’s Community Store at 97 Main St. will celebrate the start of Winter Carnival on Sat., Feb 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Caperton Tissot signing copies of the book, “Saranac Lake’s Ice Palace, a History of Winter Carnival’s Crown Jewel.”

Sponsored by: Adirondack Research Room, Saranac Lake Free Library; Cochran’s Cabins; Community Store; Compass Printing; Historic Saranac Lake (www.hsl.wikispot.org); Hyde Fuel Company; Lake Country Tree Farm: David and Robin Johnson; Madden’s Garage and Towing; Mark Kurtz Photography; St. Regis Workshop; Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee; Sturdy Supply; Tissot Construction; Trudeau Institute; Whiteface Mountain Masonic Lodge # 789; and Women’s Civic Chamber.

2013 Winter Carnival poster

Fewer than 20 signed  Collectible posters designed by “Doonesbury” cartoonist Garry Trudeau, are available.   There are lots of unsigned posters for both 2012 and 2013  as well as raffle tickets for poster #1.

Anyone  looking to purchase a signed poster should contact Dickson at 891-4344.  Signed posters are $50, and unsigned ones are $15. Shipping is $5.00 per poster. Raffle tickets will be available from Winter Carnival Committee members for poster No. 1. In all, 100 raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each. All proceeds benefit the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Unsigned posters are available by contacting Dickson or at Ampersound.

Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau, left, releases his throw towards the bulls-eye at Riverside Park as Community Development Director Jeremy Evans looks on.

On Jan. 17, Saranac Lake Village Mayor Clyde Rabideau and Winter Carnival Committee Chairman Jeff Dickson announced a new Saranac Lake Winter Carnival event called the “Mayor’s Snow Ball Toss Tournament Challenge” to be held Sunday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. in Riverside Park.

The event will feature a single elimination tournament of two-person co-ed teams, composed of a woman and man, which will toss snow balls towards a bulls-eye target 60 feet away against another team, attempting to score points by landing the snowballs in a 5-gallon bucket or within two concentric circles around the bucket.  Teams play to 21 in a format similar to horseshoes.  Winning teams advance within their division bracket until an overall champion is determined.

There will be three divisions:  The Open Division for all players 18 years of age and up, The Youth Division, for players 14 to 17 years of age and the Government Division for local municipal and college employees.

Dickson commented, “This is a great family event that will be a lot of fun and anyone can play and I’m sure it will develop into another popular Winter Carnival event.”

Rabideau added, “We’ll also be challenging the neighboring village boards and asking them to send some teams which should add a little drama to the afternoon.”

There event is free, however there will be contribution box available for the local North Country Hospice organization.  Medals will be given to the finalists in each division as well as the overall champion between the Open and Government Divisions.

Some members of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee pose for a photo after their Jan. 9, 2013 meeting.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee is feverishly making last-minute preparations for the 2013 event to be held Feb. 1-10 so the entire community can enjoy some time “Under the Sea.”

Committee members meet at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in January in the large group instruction room of the Saranac Lake High School and have a variety of topics to discuss at each meeting.

“Meanwhile, members of the Ice Palace Workers 101 have been dropping off equipment at Pontiac Bay so they’re ready to cut ice blocks when Mother Nature is ready to give them the ice,” said Winter Carnival Committee Chairman Jeff Dickson. “We’re confident that the ‘Under the Sea’ theme will be a huge success with 10 days full of family-oriented events and a beautiful Ice Palace on the shore of Lake Flower.”

The updated schedule of events has been posted on the Winter Carnival website, www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

•Carnival Court: High school, elementary school and college members of the Carnival Court have already been chosen and can be seen on the Winter Carnival website. The archbishop is Kristaps Meimis and chamberlain is Chris Kollmer. The prince is Eric Stender and princess is Anastasia Hull. Attendants to the king and queen are Vanessa Salamy and Nicholas Bayruns. The other court couples are: Emily Fountain and Taylor Pellerin; Megan Kilroy and Quinn Urquhart; Annie Frenette and Hajro Cecunjanin; Kylie Sapone and TJ Monroe; Kaileigh Woodruff and Michael Burpoe; Regan Kieffer and Kellen Munn; and Zoe Tyler and Craig Leahy. A grand marshal will be announced soon.

•King and queen: Former kings and queens have set a meeting on Jan. 18 to pick 2013 replacements for 2012 King Tim Fortune and Queen Kelly Morgan. They will be announced at the Coronation Ceremony Feb. 1 at the Harrietstown Town Hall.

•13th annual Winter Carnival Past Royalty Dinner: This event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31 at The Red Fox Restaurant. All past royalty members (kings, queens, princes, princesses, high school court, pages, chamberlains and archbishops) and their guests are invited to attend. A congeniality hour will start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner choices are prime rib $30, stuffed sole or chicken parm at $25. Make reservations by Jan. 28 by calling 891-1286.

•Parade applications: Applications for the Gala Parade on Feb. 9 are now available online at www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com and at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 193 River St. in Saranac Lake. Completed applications should be mailed to PO Box 1142, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. There will be first- and second-place trophies for both Floats and Walking Units in six different categories (Business, Civic or Volunteer Group, Youth Group, School Group, Independent Group, Animal Unit) as well as the Louis Fobare Trophy for Best in Parade.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee announces that applications for the 2013 Gala Parade on Feb. 9 are now available online at www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

“We encourage people to get their applications in early so they can join the festivities of Winter Carnival and be a part of the 2013 Gala Parade,” said parade coordinator Eric Foster.

Applications can also be picked up at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 193 River St. in Saranac Lake. Completed applications should be mailed to PO Box 1142, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

“The theme this year is ‘Under the Sea,’ so get out your thinking caps, be creative and join in the fun,” Foster said.

There will be first- and second-place trophies for both Floats and Walking Units in six different categories (Business, Civic or Volunteer Group, Youth Group, School Group, Independent Group, Animal Unit) as well as the Louis Fobare Trophy for Best in Parade. There will be a total of 25 awards.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Grand Marshal Reception and Royalty Dinner will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Elks Club next to Sturdy Supply on Bloomingdale Avenue.

The reception will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Appetizers will be available. The Royalty Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., and the cost is $30/ adult, $15 for children 6-13 and under free for children 6 and under. The Adirondack Motel is sponsoring the dinner by paying for the pages and one adult chaperone.

The dinner menu, catered by Little Italy, includes: ziti in vodka sauce, chicken piccata, meatball in marinara sauce, English cut prime rib, salad, oven-roasted potato and mixed vegetables, Italian cake and coffee.

Reservations need to be made before Jan. 28 by contacting Milt Adams at 891-4367. Checks need to made out to the Winter Carnival Committee and mailed to Milt Adams, 680 County Route 18, Lake Clear, NY 12945. Payment is expected before the event.