Since Independence Day is on Wednesday, this weekend is the unofficial start to the holiday and there are plenty of things going on throughout the north country to celebrate. Check back each Friday as we bring you five more things to do, events to attend or businesses to visit in NNY.
1.) Festivals and fireworks. Get your date book or Google calendar out and plan your weekend and the upcoming week around where to catch fireworks in the north country. we’ve put together the list for the upcoming week, but just this weekend are two of the area’s largest summer festivals, the Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek, which goes through Wednesday, and the Mount Carmel Feast at St. Anthony’s Church in Watertown, which ends Sunday. Stop by both this weekend to check out what’s going on and make sure to stay late for the fireworks display.
2.) Stock up. Summer would be nothing if not for barbecues outside with the family and it seems like the grill gets its best workout on the weekends. Blogger and NNY Living contributor Katie Stokes pens the blog NNY Life and each week combs the grocery fliers to bring readers the best deals at local grocery stores. Click here to find out the best places to buy your steaks, veggies, fish filets and all the fixings, stock up and then get grilling.
3.) Into the woods. Old Forge is the perfect weekend getaway from many points in the north country, and is a little slice of life in the Adirondacks. This weekend is the Old Forge Paddle Classic on Saturday beginning and ending at Old Forge Pond. There are two races, a six-mile and 12-mile, that start first thing at 9 a.m. So there is still time to strap the kayaks or canoe to the top of the car and head east. Also this weekend in Old Forge is the Forge Festival of Arts and Crafts. This huge show is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center and sponsored by the View arts center. Admission is $5 and there is free parking. So after you’ve dried off from the race, wander through downtown Old Forge, grab a bite at Walt’s Diner or the Old Mill and then spend the afternoon browsing the wares of local artisans.
4.) Art in all forms. This Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. is the Mare’s Wares Arts Fest, an annual event held at Mare’s Wares Pottery at 3938 State Highway 37 in Morristown, St. Lawrence County. The event is free and offers access to arts in all shapes, sizes and media, from fine artwork and handcrafted products to live demonstrations, authors, psychic readings, a farmers market and massage therapists. There is live music throughout the day and activities to keep the kids busy. This is a hugely popular event held every year on July 1. Click here for more information or visit their Facebook page.
5.) Road trip and barbecue. As aforementioned, barbecue is the official food group of summer. This weekend, from noon today through 6 p.m. Sunday, Lake Placid will honor all things barbecue with the annual I Love Barbecue & Music Festival, benefiting the Shipman Youth Center of Lake Placid. From ribs to chicken, taste a little bit of everything at this Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event. The schedule of events is packed full, so there will be something to do all weekend long at the Olympic Skating Oval on Main Street. The entry fee is $6 for adults, free for children ages 10 and younger. For directions and information, visit www.ilbbqf.com. If you’re looking for lodging or other dining recommendations, we’ve got you covered.
