Photo Courtesy: Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce

A record number of gift baskets are up for grabs at this year’s 26^th Annual Old Tyme Christmas Spectacular at Schroon Lake Saturday.

As of midday Friday, organizers had 47 gift baskets ready for raffling, said Rosemarie Ritson, Office Manager of the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce.

“This year we have some of our best baskets ever. We are hoping to get 50 by tomorrow,” Rosemarie said. This year the Chamber took over running the raffle from the Schroon Lake Central School teaching staff.

Raffle tickets are 6 for $2, 15 for $5 and 35 for $10. And every single penny raised goes to help local area families and charities.

Among the baskets:

Wine

Exotic Coffees

Avon Products

Kids’ Activities

Propane Gas Heater (Ideal for keeping your ice fishing shanty warm)

Art Supplies

Books

Sports Equipment

Baking Goodies

Man’s Best Friend Dog Treats & Bed

Various Gift certificates from local businesses and organizations, including the Schroon Lake Arts Council and Seagle Music Colony.

“We are very excited about this year’s celebration,” Chamber of Commerce President Mike Bush, told Schroon Laker.

“There are a lot more activities than in previous years. I’m particularly pleased that we have the band from Schroon lake Central School playing. And the petting zoo is a wonderful addition to the night.”:

Mike was full of praise for all of the volunteers who have put time into planning Saturday’s event, and everyone who donated to the gift basket raffle.”

“It means a lot for this community, because the money raised goes directly to help local families and local charities.”

Patti Mehm, one of the he organizers, echoed those sentiments. “The money doesn’t go to buying X-Boxes or Play Stations,” Patti told us.

“We are talking about families and their basic necessities, from gloves to warm coats and winter jackets.”

The action kicks off at 5.30 pm when Town Supervisor Mike Marnell lights a massive 20 tall pine tree at the corner of Main Street and Route 9. The tree was originally 27 feet tall, before Marnell took a chain saw to it. You can read about all of the activities happening on Saturday here.