Organized by Adirondack Kids book series authors Gary, Justin and Carol VanRiper, and sponsored by Kiwanis of Central Adirondacks, Inlet’s October 1st Adirondack Kids Day offers a chance for families to meet children’s authors and illustrators, learn new skills, and enjoy a day of free activities.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Inlet Fire Hall benefiting the Inlet Parents/Teacher Partnership. It is a delicious way to start off a day full of fun. There are only a few events that charge a fee, like the Inlet Youth Commission’s “Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop,” or a game of miniature golf at Putterfingers, there are enough free activities to fill the rest of they day.

French Louie ADK Sports provides all equipment for the annual Catch and Release Kids Fishing Derby with the help of the Inlet Area Business Association. Open to children (12 and under) accompanied by an adult, the Fishing Derby is a wonderful way to introduce children to the sport. A boat ride is provided through the channel at Arrowhead Park to the dock at Fifth Lake. There are also prizes awarded in different categories like “biggest fish” and “most fish caught,” but contestants must be present at the 3 pm award ceremony to win.

Some experiences will be available throughout the day, such as Maggie Henry and Vicky Myers face painting, Adirondack Family Time knot-tying workshops and balloon animals as well as Lutz’s horseback riding and the Word of Life bounce house. Other events are only at scheduled times, such as Jim Oakley’s magic shows (11-11:30 am and 1-1:30 pm) and the guided Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions hike. You can sign up onsite for the hike and upon completion be able to cross another Inlet Outdoor Family Challenge requirement off the list.

New for 2016 is the Utica Zoo live presentation at 11 am and its Zoomobile; LifeNet of New York will land a helicopter at the Arrowhead ballfield and be available for questions from noon-3 pm. From 1-3 pm children’s book authors and illustrators will be available for signings at the Adirondack Reader.

Schedules and maps are available at the Kiwanis Information Area at Chambers Commons, near the Adirondack Reader and French Louie ADK Sports. We hope to see you there!

Photo of Inlet’s Adirondack Kids Day used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com.