Indian Lake, NY – The 12th Annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival (GAMF) , New York State’s premier and only moose-themed fete, offers visitors of all ages a fantastic Adirondack experience. Held in Indian Lake, in the heart of the Adirondack Park, moose-themed family fun activities will be the main attraction during the weekend of September 23, 24, and 25. During the festival, visitors are encouraged to explore the region’s peaks, valleys, rivers, and lakes and revel in the burst of Adirondack fall colors.

Visitors to Indian Lake will enjoy programs, games, contests, and exhibitions, many in the name of the elusive and majestic moose. The half-ton mammal has made a comeback in the Adirondacks, and one may even spot a real, live moose during the festival weekend. The festival is sponsored by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce and a host of regional and local business sponsors.

Major festival activities will feature several family-fun Adirondack wilderness experiences and will include a Moose River Plains self-guided driving tour, guided hikes to Cascade Pond, Holy Boulders, Rock Dam and Rock Lake.

“At a time when formulaic, factory-made entertainment rules the world, the one-of-a kind Adirondack town of Indian Lake comes alive to celebrate the biggest, hairiest, homeliest and most charismatic deer on the planet,” said Ed Kanze, Naturalist and Outdoor Guide. “The Great Adirondack Moose Festival is happening, [and it is] full of fun and idiosyncrasy. Festival activities offer authentic Adirondack experiences and are not to be missed.”

Photo provided by Brenda Valentine, Great Adirondack Moose Festival Chairperson.

Other festival activities to enjoy include: DEC Current Adirondack Moose Research presentation, Indian Lake Museum Open House, Antique & Classic Car Show, Adirondack Rafting, Helicopter Flights, Fall Feast Pig Roast, Moose Lab 101, Trap Shoot, music by Phil Henry and the News Feed, Count the Moose Scat Contest, Mooseterpiece -Children’s games and activities, and much more. Additional festival activities will include Chain Saw Carving Demonstrations, Raquette Lake Navigation-Brunch Cruise, In DC League of Super-Pets – Movie, Cider Sampling, ADKX Xperience For All Day, and live music & shopping for arts and crafts in the Big Moose Tent.

Festival mascot, Bruce the Moose, will be visiting different festival activities for photo opportunities. In addition, Monty the Moose, a full mount mature Alaskan moose, will make his appearance during the festival. Monty invites visitors to stop by and take a photo with him. Back by popular demand is the 11th annual Moose Calling Contest. Check out the contest and witness the fun, and sometimes bizarre and authentic, hooting and hollering moose calls from contestants. Ed Kanze will be the contest Master of Ceremony and one of the official judges. The contest will be limited to two categories, adult and children, and will be held at the Indian Lake Theater. To view an actual Great Adirondack Moose Calling Contest, visit mountainlake.org/what-does-the-moose-say.

According to Brenda Valentine and Bob Marriott, Festival Chairpersons, “The festival is held during peak fall foliage, which allows visitors opportunities to enjoy the beautiful colors in the Central Adirondacks.”

Most festival activities are free, and do not require advance registration. A full schedule of GAMF activities may be found on Facebook at Great Adirondack Moose Festival.

For a copy of the Festival Program, please visit www.indian-lake.com or call (518) 648-5636 or (518) 648-5112. Visitors are also encouraged to pick up a Festival Program at the Chamber of Commerce and at several businesses around town during the weekend.

Photo at top: Carolyn Belknap photo. Photo provided by Brenda Valentine, Great Adirondack Moose Festival Chairperson.