Let the party begin!
As the North Country prepares to say their farewells to those who “summer” and celebrate the unofficial end of summer, those looking for one last opportunity to soak it all in will have chances to do so throughout the region over the Labor Day weekend.
See the original design of Capt. Kirk’s room at Trekonderoga Sept. 4-6.
Trekonderoga
James Cawley, the creative mastermind behind the Internet series “Star Trek: New Voyages,” is bringing the Star Trek Convention experience to downtown Ticonderoga this weekend with the three-day voyage, Trekonderoga, along with the help of Lance Clark and Nancy Archer of the Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance.
It’s mission, to explore bringing a convention to Ticonderoga; to seek out other genres of Sci-fi, such as the original Batmobile; to (hopefully) grow into a full comi-con type event in years to come.
Events kick off Friday, Sept. 4, with tours of the downtown studio where New Voyages is produced, a dealer room, and a Star Trek dinner-dance with Mr. Scott’s Time Travel Band, led by Carl Sheldon, the movie-era Mr. Scott.
Events with special guests begin Sept. 5, which will include several Star Trek writers and former actors, including Sally Kellerman, who was a cast member in the second pilot episode for the original Star Trek series, but went on to star as Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the movie, M*A*S*H.
Other guests include Don Marshall (actor, Lt. Boma), Eric Stillwell (writer, producer), BarBara Luna (actress, Marlena Moreau), Louise Sorrell (actress, Rayna Kapec), Sean Kenney (actor, Capt. Christopher Pike in original series), David Gerrold (author) and David Galanter (author).
A question and answer session with each of the guests will be part of the Sept. 5 events, along with autograph sessions, tour of the New Voyages set, movie making workshops, science talks relating how the Trek world relates to the real world, screenings of New Voyages episodes and networking sessions.
Throughout the day, people will also have the chance to see another pop culture icon — the original Batmobile from the 1966 television series.
Sunday, Sept. 6, will wrap up events with more autograph sessions and studio tours.
For more information on Trekonderoga, visit the website trekonderoga.com for updates and ticketing information.
Port Henry Labor Day
The Moriah Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Labor Day festivities Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, throughout the community.
Saturday, Sept. 5, events include the first Port Henry Regatta. The regatta will be governed by the International Yacht Racing Rules and will feature a 2016 season dock slip prize at Port Henry Marina for the winner of the event. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place. There will also be gift certificates from local sponsors.
At 4 p.m., the 10th annual Mutton Hollow Parade, which is always held the Saturday before Labor Day, will take place. Moriah resident Nancy Cutting-Smith together with friends and family came up with the concept of the backwoods country parade. They took to their then dirt road of Mutton Hollow and strutted their North Country stuff.
On the evening of Sept. 5, there will be music at the Port Henry beach from Brian LaMountain, followed by the annual fireworks display at dusk.
As part of the show, the chamber is raffling the chance for a child to push the buttons to launch the finale fireworks.
The annual Labor Day parade will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. Lineup will take place at noon at the old Knights of Columbus building, stepping off an hour later and making its way down Broad and Main streets.
The chamber recently announced that Julia Podres, 103-year-old native of Witherbee, has been selected as Grand Marshal of the 126th Annual Labor Day Parade.
In February, Podres talked about her longevity.
“I like working hard,” she said. “When I come down the stairs in the morning, I say my prayers, read the Bible, exercise, make breakfast and then start my work.”
Podres said she starts her day around 7 a.m. and heads to bed around 8 p.m. She believes these practices have helped her stay active for a century-plus three.
“I just went to the doctor and he told me instead of me going to see him, he should be coming to see me,” Podres said. “I never thought I would live this long, but I have always had a pleasant life.”
So far, the parade is set to feature about eight floats and a drumming circle which anyone is invited to join as long as they have a drum to bring.
Those hungry before or after the parade can stop by the Port Henry Fire Department’s chicken barbecue, starting at 11 a.m. until it sells out.
Events on Church Street following the parade will kick off with a 45-minute presentation from the Norwood Fireman’s Brass Band. There will also be local vendors, pony rides, dunking booth (still being finalized), bounce house, full face painting and children’s games.
For more information, contact the Moriah Chamber of Commerce at 250-1050 or moriahchamber@gmail.com.
Garage Sale in the Park
The Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club will be holding their annual garage sale Saturday, Sept. 5, in the park, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information call 532-7755.
History train
Take the free History Train Monday, Sept. 7, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. This is a unique experience designed to educate the public about the rich history of Saranac Lake and the surrounding areas; and how they relate to, and share, this area’s heritage with the Adirondack Railroad System.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers “The History Train”, a free event that is open to the public on a first come first served, reservation basis. Enjoy a beautiful trip from the Saranac Lake Union Depot into the Adirondacks aboard the historic Adirondack Scenic Railroad; all while learning about the rich past of the region.
This year, the History Train will be narrated by Jim Griebsch, of Historic Saranac Lake. He will be presenting an informative slide show depicting local history from the Saranac Lake Library film collection. He is joined by Jim Meade, of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad along with a mystery guest also from Historical Saranac Lake, who will be providing a rolling commentary to passengers as the train moves along on the history of the region, inviting comments and questions.
Come and spend an early fall day learning more about the rich culture of this unique place we call home, while enjoying a peaceful excursion aboard the finest scenic train the region has to offer.
Reservations are strongly suggested, as this event will fill up quickly. To reserve, call the Adirondack Scenic Railroad at (315) 724-0700 or 1-800-819-2291, ext. 205 or go visit adirondackrr.com.
