According to the Great Adirondack Moose Festival Chairperson Brenda Valentine, it’s difficult for her to believe that it has been nine years since this celebration of everything moose took over the streets of Indian Lake.

The festival celebrating New York State’s largest land mammal is back this weekend (Sept. 22-23) with more hikes, vendors, and information regarding the return on the Adirondack moose.

“I’ve still never actually seen a moose,” states Valentine. “I know I will someday.”

Not everyone is able to see a moose, but Valentine and her volunteer committee want to make sure that people understand that moose are wild animals that should not be approached. In addition to the weekend festivities, the underlying theme is education and safety for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive moose.

“We’ve always welcomed someone from the DEC to come talk about moose,” says Valentine. “James Stickles  provides an up-to-date review on the status of he moose population. We also have various games and fun facts so people can come learn more about moose. Ed Kanze, [naturalist and outdoor guide] conducts our most popular event, The Moose Calling contest, but starts it off with interesting information.”

Valentine elaborates on how each participant listens to a recorded moose call and then tries to recreate the sounds. The two categories (children up to 18+) and (adults 19+) always have repeat contestants each year. Though hilarious in the outcome, Kanze also makes sure that people learn about the moose while imitating them.

This year the Great Adirondack Moose Festival added more guided hikes to the schedule. These opportunities bring people out into the wilderness who may want the added security of a guide or  interested in learning more about the Indian Lake flora and fauna.

Self-guided driving tours, live music, wine sampling, children’s activities, and craft vendors under the Big Moose Tent are just a few of the planned events. The surrounding areas are also part of the program with  the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Art conducting a gallery exhibit and workshop while the Adirondack Experience will host a Moose Lab 101 on its museum grounds.

“People are curious about this animal and there are no other moose festivals in New York State,” says Valentine. “There is only one community celebrating the return of the moose with a festival and it’s Indian Lake. We get moose sightings all the time. People can come here and learn about this beautiful creature and see everything else we have to offer.”

Photo provided by Great Adirondack Moose Festival.