SARANAC LAKE — Applications for parade performers participating during the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival are now available online at saranaclakewintercarnival.com. Applications can also be picked up at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 39 Main Street.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will take place on Jan. 31 through Feb. 9, featuring a “Music Legends” theme. The Gala Parade will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8. There will be trophies awarded for 1st and 2nd place floats and walking units in six different categories — Business, Civic or Volunteer Group, Youth Group, School Group, Independent Group, and 1 trophy for the Animal Group — as well as the Louis Fobare Trophy for Best in Parade.

Parade participants are encouraged to start their planning now. Entries are rated on the following: theme — the degree to which it matches the “Music Legends” theme — sound system, live music, choreography, costumes, float decoration, creativity and unusual item.

A new trophy will be awarded in this year’s Gala Parade. The Rich Merritt Gimp Trophy will be presented to the parade entry that best exemplifies celebrating life and bringing joy, cheer and sunshine to those who maybe cannot see it. That doesn’t always mean adhering to a theme but it does mean embracing the idea of fun and infectious energy even if it seems silly or bizarre.

The trophy will be chosen by Rich Merritt’s friends and family and will be awarded at the band concert immediately following the parade.

Completed parade applications should be e-mailed to: parade.slwintercarnival@gmail.com or dropped off at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. They can also be mailed to the Winter Carnival Committee at P.O. Box 829, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Applications must be received no later than Tuesday, Feb. 4.

“We encourage people to attend the post-parade band concert in the Harrietstown Town Hall for an energetic and fun show with the bands from the parade. All trophies will also be awarded at this time,” said Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Chairman Jeff Branch.