At the Memorial Day Service in the Town Park, 2012, the new monument was unveiled.

This year’s official start to Summer, Schroon Lake’s Opening Weekend – over the Memorial Day holiday – is shaping up to be bigger and better,after a spectacular debut in 2012.

But this year’s events will be more focused , organizers say.

“We are going to be more focused on keeping the activities in one place this year. Some of the constructive criticism was that we were a little too spread out last year and tried to take on too much,” said Shelby Davis, one of the organizer.

The activities – which include live music, an Art Show, a town wide garage sale, an Expo and kids activities, will take place near the black top area of the Town Park, near the Band Stand. The fun kicks off Saturday, May 25^th from 1pm – 5pm.

Also happening that weekend will be the Annual Boy Scout Pan Cake Breakfast on Sunday at the Fish and Game Club, and the Schroon Lions Club world famous Garage Sale and Auction.

As part of opening weekend area restaurants will also be offering Opening Weekend Specials.

“Everybody last year was very positive. It got people out, it got people down town. Last year we were blessed with perfect weather. We are hoping we get the same this year,” Shelby said.

Activities this year will be focused on family activities, including a petting zoo, sponsored by Dan and Anna Hay. The committee is working on the return of the Adirondack Wildlife and Rehab Center, who put on a tremendous display last year, or a group who could provide a similar display.

There will also be a tethered hot air balloon ride (for a small fee).

Shelby is hoping that there will also be a kids craft table.

There are several changes this year. The Blessing of the Fleet, where religious ministers and priests stationed at point around the lake blessed watercraft, has been pushed back to June.

“We learned that the Memorial Day weekend is a time when a lot of folks are just opening their camps and putting in their docks and getting their boats ready.”

Another new addition will be he largest outdoors Open Mic that Schroon has ever scene,

“We have incredible local talent -- from near and far, that love playing in Schroon. . Between the Open Mics at Witherbee’s and now the Timberwolf Pub, as well as the fantastic musicians who play all summer long at the Boat House Band Jam sessions, we decided to hand the stage over to them.

“We are also looking for choirs and choral groups.”

The Master of Ceremonies will be local guitar legend, inn keeper, marathon runner and all round good guy Mark Piper.

“Mark will be doing the line up for us.”

This year there is no fee for those wishing to take part in the Summer Expo.

Among the early sign -ons are Yogini Deb Philp and area Zumba Queens Cathy Peace and Anna Hay

“This year Deb is organizing a Wellness Tent, featuring yoga and massage. There will be Zumba workshops throughout the day.

And artists and life coach Anne Gregson will be doing mini sessions called “Laser Life Coaching”

“Bring Annie a problem and she hopes to give you the advice to solve it in a minute,” Shelby said.

The Expo is open to exhibits from non-profit and community groups, vendors and artists.

Shelby said the Expo would like to see Adirondack and North Country based exhibits, which showcase our area and all it has to offer.

There is no fee to be a vendor, so promote your business or organization for free!

An Art Show featuring local artists will take place in The Strand Theater.

Another popular feature of Opening weekend is the Town Wide garage sale. For the bargain basement price of $5 The Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce will list you on n a printed map and on their web site.

What You Need To Know:

For Open Mic. Contact Mark Piper at 532-

7042 or songbirdmp@facebook.com

For garage sale registration contact Pete Johnson at 532-7794 or

peteandterry@yahoo.com.

To display your art contact Julie Sawyers at 532-9291 or juliesawyers@gmail.com.

For vendor registration contact Shelby Davis at 932-1241 or shelbyd@schroonlakeregion.com.