The ducks are back! CAP-PY Ducks, sponsored by LivingADK/CAP-21, are available once again for their summer adoption. The 12th annual CAP-PY Duck Derby is planned for Labor Day weekend, Sunday, September 4 . LivingADK staff expect over 3,000 rubber ducks to launch themselves from the Old Forge bridge on State Route 28 into the Moose River. As a result of generous local businesses, 18 awesome prizes are up for grabs.
“We are so appreciative of the continued support we receive from our community and visitors which allows us to continue the important work we do,” said LivingADK Executive Director Robin Hill.
Old Forge, New York — Looking to add a new piece to your art collection? Come to View, the Center for Arts & Culture in Old Forge, on September 3 and find your next masterpiece at the 13th Annual Plein Air Paint Out Art Auction starting at 4 p.m.
Over 40 participating artists in the 3-day Plein Air Paint Out event will donate at least one painting for the live auction. The artists will spend Thursday to Saturday moving around the Old Forge area looking for the perfect Adirondack scene to capture with their paints. Each artist may also offer consignment paintings (pay and take) that are on display starting September 1 at View and will be available for purchase from through September 3, after the auction.
All are invited to gather at the Old Forge Library for their annual fundraiser dubbed “The Bash” on Sunday, August 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. Hosted by The Friends of the Old Forge Library, the event has served as one of the library’s primary fundraisers and has become a favorite summer tradition for locals and visitors alike. For a suggested donation of $20, guests will enjoy wine & beer tasting, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and music by Midnite Mike. This year, organizers have arranged for two live auctions; a photographic outing with Kurt Gardner, and a commissioned painting by Ron Rakowski.
On August 11 at 5 p.m., the Local Histories and Stories Series will feature Sue Kiesel and her presentation on The Healing Power of Photographing Outdoors in the Adirondacks at the Old Forge Library.
Sue is a lifelong lover of the Adirondacks, having been here her entire life as a seasonal resident. She began her current passion for photography 15 years ago and is a true addict! She enjoys, more than anything, sharing her captures. It is her greatest desire to sway others to appreciate the healing quality that nature offers all of us. If others catch the bug, perhaps they too will learn how fragile mother nature is and promote protecting it for the many generations to come.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to indulge in something sweet at View’s 13th Annual Ice Cream Social on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. at Point Park in the center of Old Forge across from the Old Forge Hardware Store.
The event allows folks to browse a unique collection of bowls and other ceramic pieces created by local and regional potters, and then select ice cream and toppings of their choice. Pottery prices range from $10 to $25, which includes ice cream and toppings. Guests who do not purchase pottery, may enjoy an ice cream sundae for $5. Participants will also have the opportunity to view pottery demonstrations on site to witness firsthand how these beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations are crafted.
The Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OFVAC) will hold an open house on Saturday, July 30 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to raise money for their new ambulance building. The event will be located at 2946 State Route 28 in the Old Forge, the current OFVAC building.
All are welcome to come learn about their plans for the new ambulance bay, the future of Old Forge healthcare, and meet the medics and personnel that make emergency medical service possible. The open house will not only show off the current building, but consist of many different activities such as Martial Arts Board Breaking, live music donated by Gwen and Jim Tracy, giveaways for kids, and many more surprises.
The Annual Antique & Vintage Show and Sale will set up for its 47th year on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24 at the George Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street in Old Forge. The event will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 23, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 24.
The Inlet/Old Forge area will be a hub of activity this Independence Day weekend, with a wide array of activities planned ranging from engaging childrens’ activities, an informative presentation by Inlet’s American Legion Post #1402, fireworks displays, and live music on Adirondack lakefronts.
The festivities kick off on the evening of Sunday, July 3, with a free Summer Concert Series performance featuring local musicians, Alisha Kay Cartsens, and Joe Bolton at 7 p.m. on the Old Forge Lakefront. The summer concert series is sponsored by the Town of Webb. The fun continues in Old Forge on July 4 with live music by Floyd Community Instrumental Ensemble at the Old Forge Lakefront beginning at 7:30 p.m. A brilliant fireworks display over the Old Forge Pond will follow at dusk. For more information, please call (315) 369-6983.
Several Adirondack-area nonprofit organizations, including the Ausable River Association, Adirondack Council, and View Arts Center, recently announced a lineup of promotions and new hires.
Carolyn Koestner joins Ausable River Association and Lake Champlain Sea Grant
Carolyn Koestner. Photo provided by the Ausable River Association.
Wilmington, NY — Carolyn Koestner of Saranac Lake has joined the staff of the Ausable River Association (AsRA). Her position as geographic information system (GIS) mapping and science communications fellow is made possible through a partnership with Vermont-based Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG). Earlier this year, LCSG awarded AsRA a two-year competitive fellowship that provides $25,000 a year toward the hire of an early career professional. A generous donor gave the required match commitment to AsRA to make this new opportunity possible.
The 17th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Club of America (VSCA) National Show will be held at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on June 25 -26 located at 201 North Street in Old Forge, NY. Snowmobile enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to come check out this year’s show which will showcase hundreds of vintage sleds, including the 1962 “First-Ever” Polar/Arctic Cat Model 100XX Prototype.
The show will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Spectator general admission is $12 for the full weekend, or $10 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday.
Members of the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) are pleased to report that they will be hosting their traditional Father’s Day Weekend festivities in-person this weekend beginning with an Antique & Classic Car Rally that will kick off at 7 p.m. on the evening of Friday, June 17 at the North Country Market in Thendara, NY, and then cruise up and down Main Street. Those who wish to participate in the car rally are asked to line up in the North Country Market parking lot starting at 6:30 p.m.
The following day, Saturday, June 18, the 25th Annual Father’s Day Weekend Classic & Antique Auto Show will take place at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center/Pavilion.No pre-registration is necessary this year, instead registration will begin at 9 a.m. Vehicles are $20 per car, and spectators are admitted for free. Guests are encouraged to come spend the day viewing classic and antique cars of all makes and models while having a chance to win door prizes, purchasing food and beverages provided by North Country Market, and enjoying lively music.
At the May meeting of the Old Forge Library’s Board of Trustees, the board was pleased to learn that the Cloudsplitter Foundationhas awarded the library a 1:1 matching fund opportunity toward current fundraising efforts.
Cloudsplitter Foundation is a philanthropic organization in Saranac Lake who donates to worthwhile projects primarily in the Adirondack region.
Director Linda Weal shared a letter from Cloudsplitter which described the opportunity as a dollar for dollar match of donations, with a $10,000 fundraising goal. When the library has raised $10,000, the Cloudsplitter Foundation will then issue an additional $10,000 in funding.
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with performances of his interactive, energetic, family-friendly show, Magic Rocks! Now break out the rock music and leather attire because Etienne is returning to Central New York with his world-renowned show to continue his support for the Old Forge community by performing a series of shows at The Strand Theatre. The performance will include some old favorites and brand new, never-before-seen illusions sure to leave attendees asking… “How did he DO that?!”
“We had such an awesome time last summer at The Strand that we had to return for more,” Leon Etienne said. “We’re so excited to be back in Old Forge this summer with your favorite illusions and some new tricks up our sleeves!”
As seen on America’s Got Talent, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Penn & Teller Fool Us, and more, Etienne has toured the world with his critically-acclaimed hit show, Magic Rocks! The 70-minute, one-of-a-kind, 100-percent interactive comedy and magic show is sure to bring joy, wonder, laughter, and whimsy during a time when the world certainly needs it. Etienne and his lead assistant, Chelsea LaCongo, will be performing at The Strand Theatre in Old Forge on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 per person. Visit OldForgeMagic.com for additional showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Originally opening in 1923, The Strand Theatre has played a fundamental role in Adirondack tourism for nearly 100 years. From its iconic marquee to the old-fashioned popcorn machine, many vintage elements still reside in The Strand Theatre, making supporters feel transported in time the moment they step foot inside the theatre.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the Old Forge staple to temporarily close and it is still recovering from losses.
“It’s been a tough time for business owners, but things are starting to look up!” Etienne said. “We want to continue to give back to The Strand and the Old Forge community. What better way to give back than returning with new illusions and more fun?”
For more information on the above events, please contact: Natasha Kirkland of The Marketing Firm at 315.796.8059 or natasha@themarketingfirminc.com or Tony Bartolotti of The Marketing Firm at 315.796.8059 or tony@themarketingfirminc.com.
Adirondack area residents are invited to do their part to help clean up their communities in preparation for the summer season during Community Pride Day which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 4. Residents are asked to volunteer their time and take to the streets with gloves and garbage bags in tow to rid their lawns, roadways, and local parks of detritus left over from fall and winter.
The following towns will take part in the event this year: Old Forge, Thendara, Eagle Bay, Big Moose, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Long Lake, Lake Pleasant, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Speculator, Arietta, Wells, and Morehouse. Several school districts in the Adirondack region will also participate in the event by taking their students outdoors to lend a hand in the clean up effort.
Two prominent arts organizations located in the Adirondack region are seeking new leadership roles to round out their creative teams. View, the arts center in Old Forge, is currently seeking a new Executive Director following the recent announcement that Mark Salsbury, View President, intends to step down from his position by this summer. The Upper Jay Art Center is also accepting applications for the role of Artistic Director.
Mark Salsbury, President of View arts center in Old Forge has announced his departure from his role. Photo provided by Travis Kiefer.
View Center for Arts and Culture in Old Forge:
Mark Salsbury, the President of View, has announced that he will step down from his role by the Summer of 2022, following the strategic planning process that is currently underway.Salsburyand Kathy Ruscitto, View’s Board Chair, have jointly announced plans to begin the process of searching for his replacement. Following several years of retirement, Salsbury joined View in 2019 to help build a foundation for the future.
“It has always been my intention to build a strong foundation to prepare View for the next stage of our development, and the View team has stepped up to the challenge to make that happen,” noted Salsbury. “Our needs going forward are different than they were three years ago, and I look forward to helping transition a new leader in steering View forward to reach its full potential. According to Ruscitto, View’s Board of Directors will commence with a formal search for his replacement through a board-led search committee. A position description and requirements document has been prepared and will be posted on View’s website, and a recruitment firm will be engaged to conduct the search.
“The Board is grateful for Mark’s contributions and the solid foundation he has created for the next leader. We anticipate a wide search for someone with a balance of art management, business development, and community engagement skills. We appreciate the time Mark has given us to conduct a thoughtful search,” noted Ruscitto.
Ruscitto also indicated that progress regarding the search process will be communicated through various updates to its members and the community. “This position is a great opportunity for a passionate and community-minded leader to make a significant difference for View and the Old Forge community. View is an economic engine within our region, and we’re truly blessed to have such a beautiful, large, multi-purpose arts center in our own backyard.”
View is located at 3273 State Route 28 in Old Forge. To learn more about View visit ViewArts.org.
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