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At 60+ degrees, golf, boating join Christmas Eve activity list

As temperatures soar above 60 today, add golf and boating to their list of things to do.

A waterskier was spotted on ice-less Lake Flower in Saranac Lake, and people have been out on stand-up paddleboards and kayaks there and on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.

And golf on Christmas Eve? In the Adirondacks? Not only are people out doing it today at Craig Wood Golf Club near Lake Placid, but local tourism officials are promoting it.

Mind you, you can’t rent a cart or eat lunch. Don’t expect the greens and fairways to be mowed, the clubhouse is closed, and no staff are working. But if you’re up for walking the course, you’re welcome to give it a shot, according to Jessica Scriver, clerk of the North Elba Parks District.

It’s free, and no snow or ice will get in your way.

People were out golfing this morning at Craig Wood, and late this morning, the Lake Placid-based Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism issued a press release adding golf to a list of warm-weather activity ideas being promoted for visitors spending the holidays in Lake Placid.

“It started as a small of members who wanted to go out, and now my phone won’t start ringing,” Scriver said.

“The robust list of events and activities slated for the busy holiday week continues to grow, including the announcement of live performances at Mid’s Park and free golf at North Elba’s Craig Wood Golf Course (while the weather lasts!),” ROOST’s release said.

The live music mentioned includes three free concerts in Mid’s Park downtown: by the band Why Not Blue Sunday, Annie in the Water Wednesday and Raisinhead New Year’s Day. ROOST is also promoting shows at local bars, restaurants and other venues, and a wide array of existing local things to do.

There are also special family-friendly activities in Mid’s Park such as sledding on man-made snow, a snowball slingshot, a silly photo booth, balloon animals and Segway demonstrations. This is thanks to a team effort by ROOST, the Lake Placid Business Association and the state Olympic Regional Development Authority, which runs local Olympic venues.

Despite the 60-degree weather, Whiteface Mountain Ski Center in Wilmington is open today with loose granular man-made snow and variable conditions.

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