L.G. Chamber seeks to extend robust local tourism

LAKE GEORGE | Following a strong summer tourism season in Lake George despite the pandemic, local officials are seeking to keep the momentum rolling well into fall. The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, which launched a campaign in June for businesses to adhere to a COVID-containing safety regimen, announced a new promotion Sept. 17 to extend that initiative to include area visitors. The Chamber is giving away triple-ply black fabric face masks to people who sign a Lake George public Health & Safety Pledge to wear a protective face mask, social distance and practice good hygiene. The June promotion was sparked by surveys indicating that tourists' and vacationers' top concern was their family's health and safety as they choose a getaway destination. No less than 200 businesses in Lake George signed that commitment and took action, so visitors to Lake George should reciprocate, Chamber CEO Gina Mintzer said. "All these businesses took every (health-protective measure) to the 'Nth degree' to make sure that every visitor, every guest, every employee continues to be safe throughout this pandemic," she said, noting that at various times, however, some visitors were "lackadaisical" about mask-wearing and social distancing. "So now, we're asking the public to take a pledge of keeping our community safe — and our neighbors and visitors too." The high-quality masks, manufactured by NE Promo apparel in South Glens Falls — and bankrolled by Lake George outlet stores — are available at the Lake George Visitors Center, the Chamber's offices, and the Coastal Society store in French Mountain Commons. Also, the Chamber has erected banners that read "Please Don't Make Us Ask, Wear a Mask" in high-profile locations around Lake George, including over the entrance of the village's Visitor's Center. Lake George Village Trustee Ray Perry said that Warren County's robust summer season was due to a variety of factors. "So many people came here to escape the stress they feel over COVID-19, the economic situation, and the cultural, social, and political upheaval," he said. "We offered them respite, wide-open space, fresh air, and safety. People came here to enjoy the outdoors; to hike, bike, swim and boat. They came here to take long walks and look up at the night sky." Warren County Tourism Director Joanne Conley said the county has an array of fall attractions, as she unveiled two videos presented on the tourism agency's website: visitlakegeorge.com. She noted that the fall attractions begin this weekend with the Lake George Music Festival's "drive in" concert at the Lake George Festival Commons, as well as glassblowing sessions in North Creek at the town's historic train station. Conley also introduced a new driving tour that takes fall-foliage enthusiasts around the county — predominantly the northern towns. The interactive guide, with photos and descriptions, can be accessed at www.visitlakegeorge.com/blog/12-best-towns-fall-foliage.

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L.G. Chamber seeks to extend robust local tourism

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