Gov. Hochul announces $6M for Lake Placid Horse Show facilities

LAKE PLACID | While visiting the area Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $6 million State investment to replace the Long Building at the North Elba Showgrounds in Lake Placid. The funding is aimed at ensuring the continued success of the internationally recognized Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows and was announced during the 55th annual horse shows, which generate $17.9 million in economic activity and support 164 jobs in the Adirondack region. "I'll always remember visiting Lake Placid as a kid and experiencing the wonders of this community, and it's those experiences — shared by residents and tourists alike — that make investments like this one in the North Elba Showgrounds so important," Gov. Hochul said Saturday afternoon after visiting the region overnight. "This facility will create jobs and spur economic activity for generations of North Country residents, and I look forward to seeing the community grow alongside it into a brighter future." The funding, which will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), will enable the complete replacement of the aging Long Building, a central facility used for spectator services, catering and event operations during the two-week horse show. The modern facility will provide improved amenities, accessible features, and flexible space to support year-round community programming including Camp Placid, a youth summer program. The North Elba Showgrounds have hosted the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows for 54 years, with the event spanning the July 4 holiday period. Recent facility assessments determined that without significant infrastructure improvements, the venue risked losing its ability to attract top-tier competitors and maintain its international standing in equestrian sport. The horse shows represent a significant economic engine for the Adirondack region, generating $17.9 million in total economic impact annually. This includes $13.9 million in direct spending, $2.8 million in state and local tax revenue and support for 164 total jobs. Visitors spend $12.2 million on lodging, dining, retail and entertainment throughout the region during the two-week event. The project is part of a comprehensive two-phase renovation of the showgrounds designed to meet international competition standards. Phase One, completed this year with $2.1 million in investments from the Town of North Elba and Lake Placid Horse Show Association, included arena improvements, new all-weather competition footing, and infrastructure upgrades. Phase Two is anticipated to begin following the conclusion of this year's horse shows in July, with the new Long Building planned for completion ahead of the 2026 season. The Long Building serves multiple functions beyond the annual horse shows. Throughout the year, it hosts community events and provides essential infrastructure for other activities at the showgrounds, including serving as a staging area for Olympic Regional Development Authority events at the nearby ski jumps, home to the 1980 Olympic Torch. The new facility will feature modern amenities including accessible restrooms, a commercial kitchen, emergency shelter capabilities and flexible space designed to accommodate both large-scale equestrian events and smaller community gatherings. The building will be constructed to current code standards with enhanced fire safety features and ADA compliance. The Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows attract competitors and spectators from across North America and internationally, drawing riders who participate in major competitions including the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. The event strengthens Lake Placid's reputation as a premier destination for both winter and summer sports, building on the community's Olympic legacy. OTHER LOCAL STOPS Before making the funding announcement for the Lake Placid Horse Show grounds, Gov. Hochul spent the morning with Saranac Lake Mayor Jimmy Williams and Adirondack North Country Association Deputy Director Zach Hobbs at the High Peaks Farmers' Market in Riverside Park. The governor met with local farmers, producers and artists about how federal policies are impacting small businesses and encouraged them to voice concerns to their U.S. Representatives. She echoed similar concerns with local impacts of federal policies on Friday during an afternoon forum at Harrietstown Town Hall, where she slammed Washington Republicans for the negative impacts of tariffs and potential health care and food assistance cuts, saying all could have devastating affects on upstate New Yorkers, tourism and agriculture.

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Gov. Hochul announces $6M for Lake Placid Horse Show facilities

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