New winter event coming to Schroon

SCHROON | Whether you are a fan of the cold season or long for summer's warm embrace, there is still no denying it; the winter wonderland in Schroon Lake is magical. And on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., families will have an opportunity to step outside and enjoy the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce's new trademark winter event, "Snow Day in Schroon." "This is a free, family-friendly event," revealed Sue Palisano, the Chamber's Executive Director. "The signature event are the cardboard sled races, and we are doing judging based on originality, complexity, and appearance." With the event being held at the Town Park/Beach, sleds will compete for fastest time overall time as they descend the main hill that extends from the top of the park all the way down to the lake. Cash prizes will be awarded both for fastest sled and best design. There are no categories by age; the event was created specifically for family members of all ages to partake in together. "Micah Melville, who is a Chamber Board Director, has really taken the lead on this event," Palisano praised. "Having run these cardboard sled races for the Word of Life on camp weekends, Micah has really brought his expertise and has really been instrumental in getting this off the ground." "Snow Day's" date was intentionally selected to coincide with the school's February break and not conflict with Chestertown's own Krazy Downhill Derby, and Palisano is optimistic residents (and perhaps even some visitors) will throw their hats in the ring and begin building their sleds. "We will be two sleds at a time, however long it takes," Palisano explained. "Based on initial reactions, I think we are going to have a lot of sleds." Sleds will be built ahead of time at home. They may be constructed of cardboard, PVC, tape, glue, string, inner tubes, and rope. Wood, metal, nails, and screws are not permitted. "The only material that can touch the snow is cardboard," Palisano said. "Nothing can be made with items made for sledding purposes. For example, you can't cut down cross-country skis for the bottom. You can, however, have tape and a wax coating on the bottom." Up to five riders per sled are allowed. Sleds will be inspected prior to the races beginning at 2 p.m. to ensure they meet the guidelines, and the races will kick off at 2:30 p.m. "Our event partners is Word of Life, and the Schroon Lake-North Hudson Snowmobile Club will be making snow and grooming a two-lane track that will extend all the way down," Palisano. "It has to be fast." According to Palisano, it's been some time since a signature community winter event was held in town (aside from the ice fishing derby, but that obviously appeals to a specific demographic), and the Chamber felt it was important to have a community-wide winter event that could appeal to everyone. "In years passed (back in the 70s, 80s timeframe), there were a number of community winter events, and we have gotten away from that," she said. "Snow Day in Schroon is in line with the Chamber's thinking of trying to create more wrap-around event program activities to do that are not focused strictly on the summer season." Like the Chamber's FallFest and Car Show, "Snow Day" is another event that will bring community residents together and be involved in the many activities within their community, and at no cost. The only intention is for people to have a good time in their hometown. "It's about business and community, and what we can do to encourage Schroon Lake as a destination outside of our traditional summer season," Palisano noted. "We always think of growth opportunities and how to move forward for the future." When the races are not running, the Chamber will have tubes available for sliding people to use on the track beginning at 1 p.m., and free refreshments will be available courtesy of Stewart's. Weather conditions permitting (the snow that will be made for track is not wet enough and not packable), if Mother Nature's brand of snow is decent enough, there will also be a snowman building contest. Contestants may register for the sled races ahead of time by calling the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce at 518-532-7675, or they may simply show up the day of the event and register. Please follow the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for event info and updates.

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New winter event coming to Schroon

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