Lake George Winter Carnival

The Lake George Winter Carnival kicked off Saturday, February 6th, and was a great time for everyone. Kids got a kick out of walking on a frozen lake, and when a helicopter landed next to them, the excitement grew. Some sky jumpers climbed on and the helicopter took off across the lake–racing the snowmobiles on the ground, of course, in a race that appeared to be a tie. Moments later small dots appeared as the parachutests fell from high above into the frigid ground below.

A highlight for all was the polar bear plunge! The crowd gathered at the docks as the loud speaker announced the swim. A few brave souls dropped their drawers to expose bathing suits underneath.

The air temperature? Maybe zero–not counting the wind.

The swimmers stood on the frozen shore as the crowd counted down from ten. And then everyone said “go”. The plunge lasted maybe a second for for a few who lingered in the freezing ice-filled waters!

I asked one woman who made the plunge if the water was warmer than the air. “Not at all,” she said. “I was okay standing on the beach. But when I hit the water, I was so cold my legs and arms couldn’t move.”

“Will you do it again?” I asked.

“Absolutely!” she said.

The arcades and restaurants are open, along with some shops and a coffee house with a great fireplace. There’s pony rides and snowmobile races and lots for the kids.

Next week, 6:30, fireworks over the ice at night!!

Check our Local Events section for the complete itinerary.