Artists, artisans, crafters, and makers are heading to Blue Mountain Lake from all over the North Country to showcase their traditions and wares at the “Made in the Adirondacks” fair, debuting at the Adirondack Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19.  The event is included with general museum admission.

A  joint project of the museum, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA)  and Traditional Arts of Upstate New York (TAUNY), “Made in the Adirondacks” highlights small, local businesses; products inspired by the majesty of the Adirondack wilderness; and the people who produce them using techniques handed down through the generations.

From locally made syrup to chainsaw-carved animal sculptures to hand-crafted canoe paddles, and everything in between, the event presents a unique and memorable collection of Adirondack living, highlighting the variety of historical and modern processes used by craftsmen and artisans in the North Country today.

“It’s a celebration of local,” says Micaela Hall, the museum’s public programs manager, “and a chance for people to discover the depth and breadth of micro-enterprises in the Adirondack North Country region, which ANCA and TAUNY have been working to grow through the ‘Invisible Factory’ project.”

Both TAUNY and ANCA will have information tents at the event, for artisans and crafters interested in learning more about growing their businesses and reaching a worldwide marketplace.

The Akwesasne Cultural Center, located on Mohawk territory near Hogansburg, N.Y., will also have displays featuring basketry, pottery, beadwork, baby moccasins, and cornhusk dolls, representing some of the regions oldest crafting traditions.

Along with the numerous artisan booths and tents throughout the museum’s 32 acre site, and related craft demonstrations, the event will also feature performances by the Blind Owl Band, a Saranac Lake-based group that specializes in Adirondack “freight train” string music. They will play at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Local executive chef Stephen Topper and former museum curator Hallie Bond will share recipes for the modern palate – inspired by the foods historical foods of the Adirondack Mountains – from their new Adirondack Cookbook at 1 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Cooking demonstrations, tall tales, and samples will cover regional foods such as dandelion salad, pan-fried trout, rosemary roasted carrots and maple ice cream.

Photos: Above, packbasket pottery by Rhea Costello; and below, decorative birdhouses by Judy Premo (photos provided).