Trail to Timber: Honoring Aldo Leopold

Saturday, June 14th – Walk – 9am, Building - 11am, Film - 1pm

Join us at the Adirondack Interpretive Center for a day of exploration and hands-on activities in celebration of Aldo Leopold! Take a guided walk to discover the beauty of spring wildflowers, then put your skills to work by building your very own Leopold Bench—a perfect spot to sit and reflect on your newfound botanical knowledge. End the day with a screening of A Green Fire, a powerful documentary on Aldo Leopold’s life and lasting legacy. Come for one activity or stay for them all!

9 am – Wildflower Walk

11am – Leopold Bench Building Workshop

1pm – Green Fire Film

All materials and tools for bench building will be provided.

Leopold Benches: $40

To register email shample@esf.edu you use the link for easier registration: https://forms.gle/x9uhTFcTD4Q5RaCp8

Nature Journaling with Artist in Residence Helena Williams

Explore the walking trails around the AIC and learn about the connections between art and science while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks. Nature journaling is a tool that combines recording observations - an essential part of all scientific fields - with creating fun and personalized artwork. It provides an opportunity to slow down, relax, and learn about the outdoors through a creative lens. All are welcome regardless of knowledge or skill level. This program will be guided by Artist in Residence Helena Williams, a wildlife illustrator and falconer from North Creek, New York.

Supplies needed include a journal/sketchbook/notebook and drawing/writing utensils. You may bring your own materials or for a small fee use those available at the AIC (limited supply). Registration requested but not required. To register email shample@esf.edu or use the link for easier registration: https://forms.gle/x9uhTFcTD4Q5RaCp8

Big Time Kitty will be performing live at Paradox Brewery this summer from 5-8pm. Big Time Kitty is a funky, two-man band based out of Upstate New York.

From hip hop to jams, this duo will have you dancing!

Celebrate Independence Day in style at The Lodge at Schroon Lake!

Join us on Saturday, July 6th for an unforgettable party featuring outdoor BBQ food platters, live music, and a DJ to keep the vibes high. Enjoy a variety of lawn games, a beer truck, and an ice cream cart for a refreshing treat. With entertainment for all ages and more surprises in store, it’s the perfect way to spend your holiday. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled celebration!

Schedule of Events

Food:

BBQ Platters, served al fresco in the Front Lawn Pavilion from 11am-4pm, and inside The Brown Swan & Tavern from 4pm-9pm.

Choice of: Smoked Ribs ($24) or Brick Chicken ($22), mac and cheese, slaw, biscuit, and signature BBQ sauce.

Drink:

The Trailhead beer truck will be stationed on the Front Lawn from 12-3pm.

The Summit ice cream bike will be station on the Front Lawn from 12-3pm.

Frozen slushies & floaters will be served on the Front Lawn from 12-3pm, and inside The Brown Swan Tavern from 4-9pm.

Beer buckets (buy 5 glass/canned beers for the price of 4!) will be served at The Brown Swan Tavern & The Bevy during lunch & dinner.

Fun & Games:

Music on the Front Lawn from 12-3pm.

Lawn games on the Front Lawn from 12-7pm.

Fire pits lit on the Front Lawn from 12-3pm.

DJ and performers at The Brown Swan Tavern patio from 4-6pm.

Music at The Brown Swan Tavern patio from 7-10pm.

S'mores roasting at the Front Lawn fire pit from 7-10pm.

Sip, Snack, and Support: A Day for Dogs & a Great Cause

Paradox Brewery is bringing together great beer, good food, and adorable dogs for an afternoon of fun—all to support a fantastic cause. The North Country SPCA will be onsite with some of their lovable pups looking for their forever homes. Come meet them, learn about the organization, and help raise funds to support their mission!

• Special Guest Alert! Amber (@ambpitch) will be offering dog-friendly photo sessions for just $10—the perfect chance to capture a special moment with your furry friend!
• Support a Great Cause: A portion of proceeds will go directly to the North Country SPCA to help animals in need.

Come sip, snack, and support! We can’t wait to see you (and your pups) there!

 Fabric Art and Quilting with Ann Hornbeck! 

This is a free workshop at the Minerva Community Center. Stop by at 1 pm and enjoy! 

MHS Special programs!

All programs will be held at the Minerva Community Center: Morse Hwy. and Rt 28N

**Museum is open July 6 through September 2 from 1 PM to 4 PM

• Saturday July 6 (1 pm - 4 pm): OPENING DAY
• Friday July 19 (1 pm - 3 pm): Fabric Art & Quilting with Ann Hornbeck, ADULTS only
• Saturday July 20 (10 am - 12 pm): Making a Memory Quilt & "Quilt Stories”, KIDS (adults welcomed)    
• Friday August 2  (1 pm - 2:30 pm): “Barn Quilts” with Joe & Ruth McWilliams, from TAUNY/Colton, NY Learn the history, creation, design of these colorful signs!

All programs are FREE and light refreshments are available! 

The 177th Annual Essex County Fair!

Get ready for an exciting five-day celebration at the 2026 Essex County Fair, happening July 29 - Aug 2 2026, at the beautiful Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, New York! This year’s fair promises fun for all ages with a blend of traditional favorites and exciting new experiences.

Amusements of America will be joining the Essex County Fair in 2026 to help make this summer’s event the best ever! Thrilling carnival rides for all ages are what make a County Fair so memorable.

Join us for:

• Live Entertainment & Music – Enjoy performances from local bands and talent shows throughout the fair.

• Agricultural Exhibits & Competitions – See the best of local livestock, 4-H displays, and more.

• Carnival Rides & Games – Featuring Amusements of America with rides for the whole family.

• Food & Vendors – Taste delicious local fare and browse unique artisanal goods from regional vendors.

• Demolition Derby – Get ready for action-packed, thrilling derby events.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the fair this August. Whether you’re here for the rides, the food, or the fun atmosphere, the 2026 Essex County Fair is sure to be a highlight of your summer!

Making a Memory Quilt and "Quilt Stories"

This is a FREE workshop for kids! 10:00 am- Noon at Minerva Community Center, 5 Morse Hwy, Minerva, NY 12851

Light refreshments; adults welcome to accompany kids

Glow in the Snow Luminary Walk

Saturday, January 18th, 6pm-8pm

This self-guided snowshoe walk on the Rich Lake Trail is perfect for families and friends alike. Snowshoe among the luminary lanterns placed along the trail and enjoy the beauty of the forest at night. After your walk, hang around the fire and enjoy some hot chocolate to warm up. Dress for the weather! Snowshoes are available.