SARANAC LAKE — The Northern Forest Canoe Trail and its partners will host a film festival and a race in Saranac Lake on May 12-13.

On Friday, May 12, the NFCT will team up with NRS and Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters to present the 18th annual World Tour Paddling Film Festival in the auditorium of the Harrietstown Town Hall. The following day — Saturday, May 13 — the NFCT will welcome competitors to take part in the annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race.

“It’s been nearly four years since we’ve been able to hold in-person film festivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are beyond excited to gather with our fellow paddling enthusiasts once again,” said NFCT Executive Director Karrie Thomas. “The very next day, we get to kick off our Adirondack race series with the ‘Round the Mountain. We hope folks from near and far will join us for a great weekend of paddling events.”

The Paddling Film Festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year — whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting, SUP, action and lifestyle — in cities and towns across Canada, the United States and around the world. This year, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters is helping NFCT and NRS bring the film fest to Saranac Lake. Audiences will see films about everything from expert whitewater showcases, sea kayakers exploring remote frozen coastlines and motivating environmental documentaries to epic standup paddle boarding quests and grueling kayak fishing battles.

This year’s film festival will be held in the auditorium of the Harrietstown Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/slfilmfest2023.

The Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race is held annually on the second Saturday of May. This race takes paddlers on a 10.5 mile course starting at Ampersand Bay Resort, across Lower Saranac Lake, through Second Pond and Oseetah Lake, and ending at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower, adjacent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation boat launch. Race classes offer something for all paddle craft and skill levels. Entry fee is $30 per person, with NFCT members receiving a 15% discount. All proceeds from the event benefit NFCT stewardship work.

To learn more and register, visit bit.ly/roundthemountain2023.