Lake George Winter Carnival opens with outhouses, chili, paratroopers and parade

Opening day of the 2015 Lake George Winter Carnival brought several hundred to the frozen southern end of Lake George yesterday afternoon. Opening ceremonies began at noon in Shepard Park with the singing of the National Anthem by Steve Burns. “We have today the fluffiest snow, the hardest, deepest, clearest ice,” said Lake George Town Councilwoman Marisa Muratori. “We did that all for you. So let the fun and the games begin.”

The fun and games began with 11 outhouse teams competing in the double-elimination race that is the signature event of the Lake George Winter Carnival. Teams of five — two to push, two to pull and one to sit on the pot — raced their uniquely designed potties along a cleared stretch of ice off the shore of Shepard Park. Adirondack Studio’s T-N-T took first place, with L.P. Adams Juniors placing second and L.P. Adams Seniors coming in third.

Meanwhile, the hottest event of the day took place on shore. A long line of festival attendees twisted along the Lakefront Walkway waiting to sample the 11 variety of chili offered up by local restaurants in the opening day cook off.  Taking top honors with the most votes was the chili creation by Shepard’s Cove. The Log Jam Restaurant came in second and Prospect Mountain Diner took third place.

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On the lake, ATVs and snow machines buzzed across the clear space, some making the daring skip over open water at McDonald Pier. A helicopter, offering scenic rides over the lake and mountains, regularly lifted off and landed on the ice. A few brave souls, stripped down to the tiniest of bathing suits, splashed into the lake as reenactors from Fort William Henry marched by with fife and drum. At 1:30 p.m. three paratroopers dropped from the sky and gently landed on the lake’s surface.

Up in the park, children rode ponies and couples posed for photos on an ice throne, carved to resemble a giant bear hug by Master Carver Glen Durlacher. The Winter Carnival parade kicked off at 4 p.m. from the Prospect Mountain Diner and proceeded North up Canada Street. Opening day concluded with a bon fire on the beach. The carnival continues today and weekends through March 1. Next weekend’s featured event is the AMA sanctioned ATV and Motorcycle Ice Race Championship. For a full schedule of events, visit the Lake George Winter Carnival website.