SARANAC LAKE — Historic Saranac Lake announced on Thursday that President Quezon History Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3.

The day will celebrate the life and legacy of Manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippines, who came to Saranac Lake for his health. The event coincides with the 80th anniversary of President Quezon’s death in Saranac Lake on Aug. 1, 1944.

From the 1880s onward, Saranac Lake was known as a world-renowned health resort, attracting people from all walks of life sick with tuberculosis. Tens of thousands sought relief using the fresh air treatment methods pioneered by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau.

“Saranac Lake boasts a rich history filled with captivating stories,” said Alex Krach, HSL program coordinator. “President Quezon’s narrative is one of the most compelling. Widely known in the Philippines, his story remains lesser-known locally. We are thrilled to be shining a light on this important history.”

President Quezon History Day extends beyond commemorating the life of the first democratically elected president of the Philippines. The event will also celebrate Filipino culture, recognizing the contributions of vibrant Filipino communities throughout the North Country and New York state.

“We are really excited to be building bridges to Filipino American neighbors,” said Historic Saranac Lake Executive Director Amy Catania. “This is a grassroots, group effort. Our planning team includes Saranac Lakers, Ambie Garcenila, Cat Hadlow and Rachel Karp from the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to be partnering with Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc., headed by Founding President Sol Kapunan and Filipino Community Advocate Mr. Roberto Dumaual.”

On June 2, the Saranac Lake planning team will travel to New York City to march in the Philippine Independence parade in Manhattan.

“It will be a great opportunity to learn more about Filipino culture and to spread the word about our event in August,” Catania said.

The planning committee is working to develop an array of activities on Aug. 3. An opening ceremony will welcome dignitaries and special guests, including representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in New York. A street fair will feature Filipino food, vendors and musical performances at Berkeley Green. A dance performance is planned to be presented at the Harrietstown Town Hall auditorium. The Hotel Saranac will be serving special Filipino-inspired cuisine and drinks throughout the weekend.

At Historic Saranac Lake’s Saranac Laboratory Museum, visitors will be able to view a display about President Quezon. A video tour will be shown of Camp Massapequa, where President Quezon stayed and died. The museum will also present a recording of an online discussion about Filipino history by Luis Francia and Manuel Luis “Manolo” Casas Quezon III. This online discussion will be held live on Filipino Independence Day on June 12 at 6:30 pm. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with most events either free or operating on a pay-what-you-wish basis.