Earlier this spring, 398 Group announced that the Americade Concert Series would be moved from Wood Park to the middle of Canada Street. It would become a two-day Americade Block Party with music, motorcycle stunt riders, a beer tent and merchandise vendors. The move would require shutting down two blocks of Canada Street for 48 hours, the Friday and Saturday of Americade Week. The Lake George Village Board of Trustees had approved the closure.
Here at the Lake George Examiner, our first thought was, “They must be nuts!” The Americade Rally is one of the busiest weeks traffic-wise in Lake George. With thousands of motorcycles joining cars and trucks on the roads, driving requires an extra level of attentiveness. Drivers must continually monitor their mirrors and pay special attention to groups of bikers that move through intersections as one unit. Diverting traffic from a four-lane street to the two-lane back streets didn’t sound like a great idea. That was our first thought.
Then came our second thought. “This is going to be one great party!” 398 Group always puts on a phenomenal show. They’ve booked nine bands and stunt riders will perform during set breaks. We love Oktoberfest when the street is closed to traffic over Columbus Day Weekend. (Who doesn’t like drinking Bear Naked Ale in the middle of the road?)
We took a spin through town this morning while workers were setting up the stage and tents across Canada Street. The traffic was heavy and slow going, but it moved. The Village is urging motorists to avoid the Village by using the Northway or entering the Village from the South by using Birch Avenue and North by using Mountain Avenue. If you plan to drive into the village today or tomorrow, we recommend you take it slow and look twice before entering intersections.
Village officials will be closely monitoring the effects of the road closure, and Americade organizers are assisting to mitigate any traffic problems. “We are excited to be able to assist Americade with this great event,” says Mayor Robert Blais in a press release, “but with it, we need to assess the inconveniences and other associated problems to determine its future.”
As long as everyone takes care to look out for others, this will work.