Champ Day returns Aug. 1

PORT HENRY | The legend of Champ endures, and may be stronger than ever. With the region's beloved plesiosaur receiving a wave of 21st-century attention thanks to books, feature films, supposed recent sightings, and multiple cryptozoologists dedicating time and resources into the mythical creature, this year's Champ Day on Saturday, Aug. 1 is guaranteed to further cement Lake Champlain's (friendly?) monster as a local celebrity. "I'm excited to see all the planning and hard work come together into a successful event," said Ellen Cole, Moriah Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "We want families to come out, have a great time, make lasting memories, and leave wanting to come back next year. We would also love to see more first-time visitors discover Champ Day, explore our town, and see everything our community has to offer." Held at Bridge View Harbour Marina from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., this year's mid-summer extravaganza will, as always, be free admission to the public and boast an arsenal of family fun and entertainment. "It's a fun day for families and people of all ages; there is something for everyone," Cole noted. "There are vendors, entertainment and the waterfront location on Lake Champlain is a beautiful place to spend the day. The cardboard boat races are always a fun activity and it's a great way to get outside and enjoy the day." According to centuries-old legend, Champ resides far beneath the surface of Lake Champlain and somehow has managed to endure in the depths as the land above has seen countless changes. The Abenakis and Iroquois possessed legends and sightings of a large horned serpent, and 18th-century claims identified a black monster in Bulwagga Bay resembling a 200-foot-long sea horse. Sightings continued through the 20th century, with the famous July 1977 Sandra Mansi photo taken of Champ a reported 150 feet from where she was sitting on the shore of Lake Champlain. Most recently, filmmakers Richard Rossi and Kelly Tabor captured what they believe to be Champ via drone footage in Bulwagga Bay during the summer of 2022 when shooting a scene for award-winning film LUCY AND THE LAKE MONSTER. "We are very hungry or something transcendent and something bigger than us," Rossi said. "Sometimes life and reality and the normal world is so stressful and hectic, and the possibility of a creature that science hasn't quite confirmed yet is so fascinating. Our drone footage went viral in the last couple of weeks- millions of people around the world are excited that Champ is alive and well. To us, Champ represents something bigger." Rossi and Tabor will once again be making an appearance at Champ Day for a book signing and meet and greet with fans. "We love meeting the people who love Champ, and it has meant so much to us- especially the children who come and tell us how much they like the book and the film- seeing the smiles and the light in their eyes is worth a million dollars," Rossi said. "It is really the children who make Champ Day so special." As the years roll on, the mysterious sea monster seems to reel in new generations of ardent skeptics as well as hopeful believers, sometimes forcing people to question whether they are at heart pessimists or optimists. On a typical year, Champ Day draws a crowd of 500, a good indicator that the lore is alive and well. "I think most people love a good mystery and that's part of the appeal," Cole reflected. "Some people are certain Champ exists, while others enjoy the mystery and the fun of not knowing for sure. Either way, Champ has captured people's imagination and has become a special part of our community." Penelope the Clown (the alter ego of Moriah resident Cathy Sprague) will be on-site delighting children with her antics. Sprague has been at every Champ Day since the event started over 40 years ago, and continues to be honored to participate. "Each year it seems to get bigger and better," Sprague said. "I love painting Champ on faces! Champ Day in our town is like a holiday!" DJ Dan Whitford will provide music at Champ Day, while a stilt walker makes the rounds and carnival games are in full swing. Vendors and food trucks will be peddling their goods, and Arrow Bank will be making snow cones. "We would love to have more vendors join us for Champ Day to make it bigger and more exciting for visitors," Cole noted. "They can sign up on our website or stop into our office for an application." According to Cole, the goal for the event is for families to come out for a great time, making lasting memories and leave wanting to come back for 2027. And for first-time visitors, in addition to discovering the magic of Champ Day, exploring the town and seeing everything Moriah and Port Henry have to offer would be the icing on the cake. "We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support: Town of Moriah, ROOST, Tri-State Folding Partitions, Essex County Health Department, Sylvamo and Arrow Bank and of course Bridgeview Harbour," Cole expressed. "Their contributions allow us to continue to offer Champ Day and provide this special event for everyone." To sign up as a Champ Day vendor, please visit moriahchamber.org. Bridgeview Harbour Marina is located at 54 Harbour Lane, Port Henry, NY.

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Champ Day returns Aug. 1

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