Schroon Expands Its Summer Music and Arts Scene

Tai Chi, Drum, Ribbon, Fan and Chinese Dances, Music & More! Sunday July 22, 2018. 1 pm - 2 pm. Schroon Lake Town Park

The Schroon Lake Arts Council continues to push the artistic envelope with the addition of another weekly event: Sunday in the Park.

That’s on top of their Monday night band jams, the Tuesday night Boathouse Concert Series and the annual Adirondack Folk Festival.

The creative genius behind Sunday in the Park is the Arts Council's Mikki McSherry.

We caught up with Mikki (via email) to give us a behind the scenes look at how a concept became a reality.

Who came up with the idea? 

I came up with the idea. Everyone seems to do "Concerts in the Park".  I wanted something different.  Tanglewood in Massachusetts does Art in the Park.  I modeled our Sunday in the Park on their idea.  Also, many of the folks that frequent our SLAC events are aging both the Board Members and audience.  I am hoping that the Sunday in the Park events bring a younger and more diversified audience.  We desperately need volunteers who will eventually become board members.  There are currently six board members and about 10 -20 active volunteers. Also, our primary focus has been on music. I want to expand to theater, dance, visual arts (painting, sketching, sculpture, etc.).

I would like vendors who have artistic items to sell and would love to talk about their craft.  I am hoping that we can become a conduit for linking artists with people who want to learn what they are doing.

How difficult was it to launch? 

We are off to a slow start but we hope interest and participation in these events will grow with each week.

How is it financed? 

The funding is from a Decentralization Grant from the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Council (I am not sure if that is the full and correct name of the organization but I can get that for you).  We received less than half of the requested amount. But with the $2,350, we are making things work out as best we can.

How were the acts chosen? 

I specifically looked for acts that were culturally diverse and from a variety of art forms, etc. Latin and Chinese dance, storytelling, improv. theater, songwriting, and vocal and instrumental musicians.  Each act had to offer something that would not be easily found here in the Adirondacks.  I want to open the depth and breadth of the arts here in Schroon Lake and beyond.

How was the reaction to the first event - on that very hot Sunday? 

The first Sunday (July 1) was actually a celebration of my 25th wedding anniversary.  My husband I financed the event but also advertised it as a Kick-off to the opening of the 2018 season for the Schroon Lake Arts Council.  I think the heat kept many people away but it is estimated that about 300 people stopped by during the 3 hours.  Several folks stated that they preferred the 5-8 pm time slot and that they would like "Concerts in the Park" each week, maybe next year, we'll see how things go this year.

Getting Connected With You

Want to take your relaxing Schroon vacation up another notch? We highly recommend a visit to True North Yoga, where you’ll find a selection of yoga classes and styles with several local yoga teachers. No need to be intimidated — all levels of experience are welcomed and you’ll also enjoy a variety of yoga workshops, wellness offerings, and monthly community events.

From Founder Debbie Philp:

True North Yoga’s mission is to reflect the resilient, healing spirit of the Adirondacks in a peaceful space for yoga, holistic practices, and community connection. We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere where any individual, regardless of physical condition or circumstances, can participate in empowering and transformational Hatha yoga classes and wellness practices to nurture a healthy body, calm mind, and peaceful spirit. When you unroll your yoga mat at True North Yoga, you become part of a diverse and supportive Adirondack community.

Check our True North's schedule, by clicking here.

Decor Ideas For Your Camp, Cabin and Lake House

Etsy, the home to extraordinary talented artists and crafters, has great ideas for Lake House, Camp and Cabin decor. Gets some inspiration in our Camp, Cabin and Lake Life section.

Schroon’s 2018 July 4th Replay

Photo credit: Sharron Hozley Tyrrell. See all of Sharron's shots by clicking here.

July 4th, 2018, will go down in the Schroon history books as one of the hottest ever. Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sue Palisano gives us a review of the Big Day.

"2018 marked the 64th year Schroon Lake has marked the Fourth of July with a gala celebration!  The day featured family-friendly activities from morning until dusk. There was live music at the Dock Street stage featuring a lineup of local favorites TnT Band, Dogtown Cadillac, Mark Piper and the Gregson Brothers Band.

There was face painting, airbrush tattoos, bounce houses and an obstacle course; great food at the Community Church annual chicken barbecue and the Lions Club tent.

And the list goes on: a mini-concert at the Fountain; a basket raffle at the Chamber of Commerce; the Adirondack Artists & Crafters Expo and music on the Community Church porch.

The parade kicked off at 6pm with over 60 units who – along with the huge crowds lining Main Street – were happy to brave the 90+ degree temperatures to take part in “the Best Fourth in the North!” The bands played, the fire companies showed off their equipment, the candy flew, the clowns clowned, the marchers and riders performed and waved, and the crowd clapped and cheered. As has become the tradition, everyone agreed that this year’s parade “was the best one yet” – until next year, when we all know it will be even better!

The parade was followed by the traditional patriotic music Concert at dusk, presented by the Word of Life Collegians and Seagle Music Colony, and of course, the fireworks display at dark over the lake.

Schroon Lake’s Fourth of July celebration is about the community, for the community, and by the community – and it would never happen without so many from our community providing their support in so many ways. I would like to thank the hundreds of individuals, businesses, and organizations who contributed financially, donated merchandise, and volunteered time to make the day a success. We couldn’t do it without you!"