An important part of Saranac Lake’s history will be remembered on Sunday, July 3. The Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe race will be reborn.
The race began in 1962 as a tribute to Saranac Lake’s famous guideboat builder, Willard Hanmer. For 50 years the race ran successfully. Now, after a 10 year hiatus, for its 60th anniversary, “Traditions in the Green Side Group” volunteers hope to bring it back to its former glory. This group is led by Sue and Kathy Dyer.
The hikers are coming … but how many?
In 2020, the Adirondack trails were overwhelmed with hikers looking for Covid-safe recreation. People were lined up long before dawn for trails in the High Peaks. Highways turned into parking lots, and wilderness rangers into meter maids.
Then in 2021, with Covid still a presence in the Northeast, the hiker crisis evaporated.
The crazy busy hiker weekends were gone. Keene Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson says he towed only one (ONE!) car from the Garden trailhead in 2021. That place is usually a combat zone.
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