Thousands pack Lake George for fireworks display, traffic a problem

They came by boat, bike, trolley and car, wearing tank tops, shorts, sarees and burkas; it seemed the entire United States, in all its diversity, flowed into the Village of Lake George Wednesday night, July 4, to celebrate our founders act of high treason by watching the fireworks display over Lake George.

Thousands lined the lakeshore along Beach Road and Canada Street, thousands more watched from boats on the Southern end of the lake. The Village sidewalks throbbed with activity; outdoor cafés were filled to capacity. There was nothing sluggish about the economy in Lake George this Independence Day.

While thousands flowed into the Village, flowing out did not go as well. The mass exodus following the fireworks Grand Finale locked up traffic on the side streets for well over an hour. South-bound drivers, particularly ones attempting to enter Canada Street from streets not regulated by traffic lights, found themselves at a complete standstill for 90 minutes. Several drivers, trying to get out of town, sent their passengers on reconnaissance missions, seeking a clear route.

North-bound lanes moved along slowly, but they did move. Local residents, familiar with the traffic flow, advised frustrated visitors to turn around and head towards the Northway exit 22 ramp.

Many avoided the traffic jam entirely by leaving their cars parked and enjoying the evening window shopping and eating ice cream while waiting for traffic to clear.