For many, the Labor Day weekend is summer’s last hurrah. WAMC’s Southern Adirondack Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports on some of the events happening in our backyard.
The Lake George region is a summer hot spot in upstate New York. And Amanda Metzger of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce says if you’re planning on visiting this weekend and haven’t found a place to stay, don’t wait.
“We’re hoping that we’re going to attract a lot of people here this weekend. We’ve been getting phone calls all week from people kind of looking last-minute for accommodations,” said Metzger.
The chamber keeps a list handy of local lodgers who call in last-minute cancellations and vacancies.
The popular Lake George Triathalon Festival returns Saturday and Sunday for its 11th year. The Adirondack Independence Music Festival will also return at the Charles R. Wood Commons in Lake George.
For those who haven’t spent a day at the races at Saratoga, Monday marks the last day of the season to visit the Spa.
New York Racing Association spokesman Pat McKenna said there are still some big races left in a Saratoga meet that has been well attended.
“Labor Day weekend itself here over the next Saturday, Sunday, Monday features seven graded stakes including three Grade 1s: the Woodward, the Spinaway, and the Hopeful,” said McKenna. “Saturday’s Woodward will be highlighted by the return of Gunrunner who will be seeking to pull off the Whitney-Woodward Double. This will mark his first start since surpassing Arrogate in the number one position in this year’s NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll.”
Sunday will be the final giveaway day at Saratoga Race Course. Guests will receive a hanging wall clock. Post times will be held at 12:30 p.m. – a half hour earlier than normal – on Sunday and Monday.
The popular country music act Zac Brown Band is returning to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday.
For anyone traveling, it’s better to gas up sooner rather than later.
As the remnants of Hurricane Harvey continue to affect Texas and Louisiana, AAA spokesman Alec Slatky says gasoline prices have been rising.
Slatky said Thursday marked the highest national average gas prices in two years.
“And it went up seven cents today. So we’re up, in the Albany area we’re up 18 cents over where we were a week and I would expect those prices to continue to rise for the near future,” said Slatky.
Travelers should expect increased holiday traffic. Slatky said Labor Day weekend travel has been trending up as the economy improved over the last few years.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced state police and local law enforcement will be out in force this weekend as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” DWI campaign.
The governor encouraged all to enjoy the Labor Day weekend safely and responsibly.
