I Love New York Summer Festival
Elvis, Motorcycles, Microbrews, More, Starting May 19th
We've been hearing a lot about the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, including a visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. But that's not the only historic anniversary being celebrated in the United States this summer.
New York State is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War with a full calendar of events from mid-May to mid-September in the Lake George Area.
The few weeks include a kick-off micro-brew tasting party, an Elvis Presley Festival and Americade, the world's largest motorcycle touring rally. It's part of the I LOVE NEW YORK calendar of events taking place throughout the state, and in New York City, too.
The Lake Goerge celebrations start Memorial Day weekend with the Red, White & Brew Fest, with brewed beers from around New York State, contest for best wings and best ribs, and music concerts.
The first weekend in June is the Lake George Elvis Festival, with an Elvis tribute artist competition, parade, fireworks, vendors, and more. Remember to wear your blue suede shoes. luncheon, and gospel service; (518) 668-2200; lakegeorgeelvisfest.com
June 4-9, some 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts gather at Lake George for the 2007 Americade, billed as the world's largest motorcycle touringrally. 2007 marks the event's 25th anniversary. Touring is one of the fastest growing segments in the motorcycle industry, and Americade 2007 includes the first annual "International Trike Week." Other events include a Motorcycle Stunt Show featuring National Trials Champion Geoff Aaron.
One of my favorite things to do in the Lake George area is a daytrip of whitewater rafting on the headwaters of the Hudson River. It's a thrilling ride through foamy rapids and past pristine scenery. More than 12 miles of the 17-mile trip is whitewater, challenging enough for a serious rafter but not too threatening for a first-timer to enjoy.
Several dozen rafts put in within one hour of each other, to ride a bubble of water that heads down river from the daily release at the Abanakee Dam on the Indian River. It is a four-hour ride through thick foests, with not a billboard or house or utility pole in sight.
The Hudson River is more than 300 miles long. The headwaters are a world away from its other end, where it spills into the Atlantic Ocean in New York City.
My trip was with Wild Waters Outdoor Center in nearby Warrensburg.
For more events and information about the 2007 I LOVE NEW YORK Summer Festival events at Lake George, click here.
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