Saranac Lake third graders participated in a paddle outing with St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and an activity with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation in 2022 as part of Celebrate Paddling ADK. (Photo provided — Maeghan Farnham)

SARANAC LAKE — Celebrate Paddling ADK, the Adirondacks’ annual festival honoring the region’s vibrant paddling culture, will return this month.

Beginning mid-May and extending through early July, this celebration invites locals and visitors alike to experience more than a month of on-the-water adventures, community gatherings and outdoor exploration.

The festival kicks off with the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race, hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, on Saturday, May 10. Events will continue through July 6, taking place throughout both Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, with a wide variety of races, guided trips, themed paddles and educational opportunities for all ages and experience levels.

Festival highlights include weekly evening paddles, “canoe-to-brew” outings — where paddlers travel to local cafes and breweries for post-paddle socials — and a community river cleanup that emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship. These events create meaningful ways to connect on and off the water.

Another key event is the Adirondack Paddling Symposium, scheduled for June 13-16. Designed for beginner and intermediate paddlers, the symposium offers immersive instruction across multiple disciplines, including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pack boating.

The festival concludes with the historic Willard Hanmer Races on July 6, a tradition that brings the paddling community together in celebration and friendly competition.

“Celebrate Paddling ADK reflects the spirit of community and adventure that defines the Adirondacks,” said Kenzie Marine, Saranac Lake regional manager at ROOST. “We’re excited to welcome both residents and visitors to discover the unique beauty of our local waterways.”

Founded in 2016, Celebrate Paddling ADK was created through a collaborative effort among local businesses and organizations passionate about preserving and sharing the region’s paddling heritage. Partners include the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, MAC’s Canoe Livery, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Raquette River Outfitters, Guide ADK, Northwest River Supplies, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

Full event details and the complete schedule are available at celebratepaddlingadk.com.