Ice Palace at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival — Attraction in Town of North Elba

The village sidewalks in the east end of the village were not cleared of the foot of snow that came down Friday. They weren't cleared all weekend. It's a village responsibility. Even though the hotel and motels were full, people had to walk in the snow narrowed state highway, with semi trucks, buses and cars racing by at 45-50 mph (in a 30 mph zone!). The village NEVER enforces the speed limit in that end of the village (but passes through 4 times a day to dunkin doughnuts). We witnessed people nearly getting hit in the highway several times. The scariest incident being a small child nearly run over. The mother couldn't hold his hand because there was no room to walk side by side. She tried to hold his coat hood. But he managed to step right in front of a vehicle, and was snatched back in a nick of time. That section of sidewalks is frequently left unplowed by the village. If the machine doesn't fit between a few power poles, it should be cleared by hand! Best Western should also keep a path shoveled to the sidewalk on the east end of their property (but they don't). The village keeps the main highway and streets closed way longer than necessary for the several events of fireworks and parades during carnival, and that hurts retail businesses on the outskirts of the village, as highway traffic is routed around them. There's nowhere near enough parking in the village for the crowds attending the bigger events, especially with the highway closed and traffic backing up for miles on opening night. Just like First Night, the event is poorly organized. First Night left adults with basically nothing to do between 10pm and midnight. Anything worth seeing was ALL scheduled between 7 and 10pm. Very disappointing; couldn't be in two places at once. Wouldn't have bothered to buy badges and come to town if we'd seen the schedule in advance. First Night also rarely has the best events in large enough venues, so you usually get locked out of something you wanted to see. We've noticed the typical age of adults attending the 5 First Nights that we have; and the attendees are overwhelmingly over 50, many over 60+. But the entertainment is reflecting this fact less and less. (No, we're NOT old farts!) WE are the ones who WANT a good night out with great entertainment, without the...

The Ice Castle is Awesome, built by locals in the week preceeding its truly an amazing feat, but that's about it for the excitement.... This used to be a great week long party, unfortunately the last 3-4 years it has gradually gone down hill. It is no longer a Carnival and barely family oriented. If you like to drink all week and listen to the same 5 bands in rotation every day at 5 different local bars, go to a dance recital they call a "variety show" and get the majoriry of your entertainment at a premium, in the closest town of Lake Placid then end it with the parade, which is the only other highlight in my opinion, then it's for you. If you are expecting family activities, rides, food trucks or trailers, games, vendors, snowmobile rides and demonstrations, snowshoeing, skiing, dog sled rides and demos, outdoor ice skating, snow sculpture competions, ice carving demos, nightly bonfires,and outdoor carnival fun, then find someplace else because there is...

IPW101 always builds a spectacular ice palace! Different themes every year by the committee make this a must see year after year. The fireworks shows that open and close the carnival are an absolute must see. They are AMAZING. The winter carnival as a whole is worth a visit to see the palace, a parade, fireworks or to take part in any of the events that are put on. Also the building with the souvenirs is a great spot for a history of the winter carnival and ice palace. Each year has a wonderful collectible pin for purchase as well. They also constantly monitor the weather and aim to keep guests safe. Even if it means roping the inside of the palace off, the perimeter is still accessible and the palace structure is checked prior to reopening. There are also even hosts to aid guests as necessary. Add this to your bucket list if...