To the editor:

Green Side of the Big Apple and the Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe race volunteers are busy calling all participants and spectators to attend the “official” start to summer, July 2, 2023, in Saranac Lake.

The start line will buzz with activity as competitors and spectators line the shores of Lake Flower for the on-the-lake races.

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation will have a booth to showcase their activities and offer raffle tickets for a Hornbeck Loon classic canoe; boat vendors will offer sales and deals; NY Life will distribute water to all; and race organizers will offer for sale hats, t-shirts and pins.

Spectators will also line the Saranac River for the down river races, which will finish at the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. The finish line’s famous chicken dinner will be served once again by the Elks Club and they have added hamburgers and hot dogs for smaller appetites. Hex and Hop will once again serve their award-winning adult beverages, NY Life will offer free water, the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club will sell drinks, memberships and tickets for their annual gun raffles. Souvenir t-shirts, hats and pins will also be available for purchase. Live music and kids activities are being added this year and kids can have fun in the bouncy house as the ADK Players fill the afternoon with live music.

Any vendors wishing to be a part of the day can do so by calling Green Side of the Big Apple/Kathy Dyer at 505-235-1268. Space is offered free of charge so any interested vendor is urged to reserve space to assure availability and pre-event publicity.

For more information, entry forms and racing pamphlets call the race organizers at 505-235-1268 or greensideofthebigapple@gmail.com. For online registrations and racing pamphlets go to www.saranaclake.com/events/hanmer.

Sue Dyer

Saranac Lake