The theme for the 21st Annual Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) is “Made in the Adirondacks.”  The event, Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24 allows visitors and shoppers to an inside view of the lives and work of many local and regional artisans and crafters.

This annual event is a self-guided tour to visit with Indian Lake area artisans and crafters who offer a variety of holiday gift items for sale in their homes, Indian Lake Central School Gym and at various locations throughout town.

Visitors can meet Mary Vianese and see her collection of unique hand-crafted gifts made using natural materials such as stones, birch bark and twigs, flowers, gourds and pine needles. In addition, she also crafts one-of-a-kind greeting cards, jewelry, hand-painted loons, bears, herons, moose and other Adirondack critters along with framed pressed flowers.

Kelly Ameden and Sandy Davis invite shoppers to visit with them to see wintery scenes, pinecones and mountain landscapes that adorn Ameden’s hand-painted glass ornaments, glasses, coasters and lighted wine bottles. Davis has knitted neck wraps, hats, scarves and gloves to stay comfy this winter.

Live demonstrations on making and decorating wreaths and kissing balls with Linda and Rachel McInerney. These artisans will also have cupcakes for sale that are skillfully decorated and feature bears, foxes, owls and a host of other Adirondack animals. They also craft rustic and beautiful wooden decorations, fleece pillows, blankets and more.

Shoppers can make their homes or camps more welcoming with hand-made quilts, hot pot pads, balsam bags, potholders, fresh balsam wreaths, pillows and baskets with their purchases made at Homemade Quilts and Crafts.

Visitors who check out the North Country Crafters will find a host of A-Z Adirondack homemade items. All of North Country Crafters’ proceeds are donated to Indian Lake charities.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will present special Christmas stories designed for children at St. Mary’s Church Hall. Cookies will be served and families are invited to take souvenir photos with this famous couple. Also, following Story Time, youth of all ages are invited to participate in the annual candy cane hunt.

While parents shop for holiday gifts, youngsters can attend the “Gifts to Give” Children’s Workshop with Leddy Johnson. This popular annual event is designed to engage youngsters in hands-on experiences as they craft their own holiday gifts. The Workshop is free and will include crafting pinecone bird feeders, decorative fans, pencil people and more.

At the Indian Lake Theater, the holiday classic movies National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Miracle on 34th Street will be showing, for free.

The Country Christmas Tour Closing Ceremony will be held in the Indian Lake Central School Gym on Saturday and will include participating artisan and crafter raffles and “Let There Be Lights” Contest winner announcements. During the Ceremony, business owners and the general public are invited to join with the Steering Committee and crafters and artisans to pay special tribute and to thank the creator of the Country Christmas Tour, Jeannie Puterko.

Many shoppers return to Indian Lake each year to get a jump on holiday shopping by purchasing their gifts during the Country Christmas Tour. First time visitors to Indian Lake will be able to locate all artisans and crafters, businesses and activities easily with a program available at the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall, businesses and at the homes of artisans and crafters.

For further Country Christmas Tour information contact Brenda Valentine at (518) 648-5636 or Mary Vianese at (518) 648-5740.

Photo of artistan Vicki Virgil provided.