Above are last year’s winning Shoe Box Floats. From left, Village Merchantile Store Manager Terry Reed holds Oliver Halasz’s, Martha Watts of the Carnival Committee holds Joy Cranker’s, and Beryl Szwed of the Carnival Committee holds Tammy Gaff’s. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — A Winter Carnival event born during last year’s pared down carnival is returning this year.

The Village Mercantile, formerly the Community Store of Saranac Lake, has announced the 2022 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Shoebox Float Contest is on.

Last year, Winter Carnival activities were more limiting, with no traditional parade down Main Street. To add on to the activities last year, the Village Mercantile sponsored the shoebox float contest. It was so popular that the Village Mercantile will continue the tradition. It will be an added activity to participate in alongside the official Saranac Lake Winter Carnival events.

“We are pleased that the community reacted so well to our contest last year,” Village Mercantile Store Manager Terry Reed said. “So many asked for us to bring it back that we couldn’t refuse. We hope that it serves as a nice complement to all of the official Saranac Lake Winter Carnival events and look forward to having the live parade back this year.”

From Feb. 4-12, the Village Mercantile will be accepting Winter Carnival shoebox floats that will be displayed in the store window through Winter Carnival. Three prizes will be awarded to three winners — Village Mercantile gift certificates and store prize — on Feb. 13. Entry forms are available at the Village Mercantile at 97 Main St. in Saranac Lake.

For more information, stop by the Village Mercantile at 97 Main St., Saranac Lake or call 518-354-8173.