With a year-round population hovering around 5,000, Saranac Lake is a small town, by any measure. We locals know this reality — we live it. And, not only do we accept this fact, we relish it. Our strength is not proportional to the mass of our numbers; rather, it derives from commitment to one another as a community. This commitment to community is evident year-round, but in particular, one can bear witness to a groundswell of goodwill, Thanksgiving morning, at the annual Saranac Lake Turkey Trot.

For 11 years, Saranac Lake residents and businesses alike have fluffed their feathers, laced up their sneakers and opened up their hearts — in addition to their wallets — to create seismic impact within our mountain town. Please, take a moment to read on, and appreciate the effects of your generosity, participation and engagement in this home we share.

To tell the story of success that is the Trot, you’ve gotta call out those that make it possible.

First, the front line: the cocoa makers, the phone call takers, the coffee crew, the time keepers, face painters, mimosa masters and auctioneers, back-end behind-the-scenes brains of the operation, and everyone in between — this event runs on the donated time and effort of volunteers.

Some say volunteerism is on the decline, “all but dead,” they say. Well gang, we’re here to tell you that not only is volunteerism alive and kickin’ in our town, it’s on the rise and getting stronger every year. We’ll do our best to find a spot for you or an organization that could put your spirit to good use. Volunteers, we salute you!

If the front line volunteers are the brains of the event, the coalition of local businesses and individual sponsors is the beating heart. Saranac Lakers are rough and tough, hardworking and dedicated, strong and capable — yes, this is true. But, what we’re here to tell you is this: in addition to these admirable attributes, they are also incredibly generous, kind, caring and ever-ready to take up for their friends and neighbors. Year after year, you empower us. You remind us what community is, and what it means to sacrifice for our friends and neighbors. Shop local, friends — those dollars always come back around. We’ve included a complete list of sponsors below. Please, read and consider supporting these businesses, as they have supported this community, year after year.

What’s left then? With big brains and a strong beating heart, what makes this bird fly high? It’s YOU! You and the hundreds of Trotters that shake off the cold to race for their friends and neighbors — you are the brawn. We don’t know about you all, but in those moments before the race begins, when we’re all gathered outside, 500 strong, we feel a sense of pride, a sense of belonging and a sense of safety, knowing that no matter what, this Community, OUR Community, will always show up and put out for its own, and for anyone in need!

Now, let’s talk turkey. In 2025, with the strength and support of the Biggest Little Town in the land behind it, the Trot raised more than $115,000! A staggering amount by any standard, made even more impressive by our small-but-mighty numbers. As always, this monetary support is split and given directly to the local Interfaith Food Pantry and the Saranac Lake Student Needs Fund — getting our friends and neighbors fit, fed and educated. The impact of these dollars cannot be overstated. We get teary just thinking about it … literally.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bitters family extends our gratitude, our appreciation and our love to you all. Without You, there is no Us. We look forward to Trotting with you all in 2026!

Proud local sponsors:

Keaney Bus, Adirondack Store, Bing Bang Boom, Adirondack Stiles Real Estate, Li’s Goody Goody, Ampersand Bioscience, Culligan Water (Need Logo), North Woods Engineering, Edward Jones, Rock Solid Patio, Adirondack Propane, DP Developement, MJ Engineering, Yoga w/ Sue, CanAm Rugby, Boulder Landscaping, JMDC, Avalon Tree Care, Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, Scotts Florist, The Berkeley Dive, TF Finnigan, High Peaks Landscaping, Nori’s Village Market, Moose Club, John T. Ward Studio, Madden’s Transfer & Storage, SL Hot House, Fogarty’s Lake Flower Marina, Fischer, Bessette, Muldowney & McArdle, LLP, Ampersand Bay Resort, Upstate Wedding Dietitian, Hotel Saranac, Hyde Fuel, Bionique, Kleigh O. Photography, Silver Grove Financial Group, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Elite Floors, Cantwell Jackson Design & Build, Jeffrey Vossler Design, Experience Outdoors, Say Real Estate & Say Rentals, Clix Photo Booth, Adirondack Foundation, Eastern Insuring, Zukin Realty, Forest Home Mechanical, The Sisters Farm, Pendragon Theater, Ausable Club, MX Fuel, Brown Dog Adirondack Boat & Kayak Rentals, SaraPlacid Sled & Spoke, Oneil Contracting LLC, Long Run Wealth, Specialty Wood Products, Carcuzzi Car Care Center, MJ Raymond Construction, Ampersound Music, The Stagecoach Inn, Fleury’s Automotive Repair, Riverside Pet Supply, Hawk’s Electric, Made by Shade, NRS, The Dack Door Group, Darrah Cooper Jewelers, Williams & Sons, Adirondack Surgical Group, Lawn & Order, Raybrook Golf Course, Craigwood Golf Course, The Belvedere, Guide ADK, Hammersong Blacksmith, Spencer Boatworks, Kate Mountain Farms, Michael Burpoe Art, High Peaks Distributors, High Peaks Wine & Spirits, Curtis Lumber, S. Curtis Hayse, Early Dawn Confections, CED, Blue Line Sports, Our Plates, Adirondack Bank, Sunset Bistro, Liz & Co. Salon, Hair by Abi, Lotus Barbery, Little City Haircutters, Pendragon Theater, Tri Lake Home Medical, Amusement & Vending, Woods & Waters, Sheila Libre Productions, North Country Spray Foam, Trudeau Sand & Gravel, JP O’Neil Contracting, The Leonidas Family, Romano’s Adirondack Lanes, Ayer’s Insurance, Rice Furniture, Raquette River Brewing, Legend Electric, Campion Family, Traverse Lodge, Heartwood Studio, Martin & Dukett, Duffy Builders, Scottsman Electric, Monro Mufflers, Community Bank, Cochran’s Containers, US Foods, Whiteface Lodge, Casa del Sol, Performance Food Group, Saratoga Eagle and The Rusty Nail.

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Johnny Williams organizes the annual Saranac Lake Turkey Trot and is a resident of Saranac Lake.