“This year, as you know,” says Lake George Village Mayor Bob Blais, “is like no other year,” but he assures the public that local officials and businesses in the Lake George Area have done everything possible to ensure visitor safety this 4th of July weekend. The Mayor was speaking at a July 2 press conference held on the Steel Pier in Lake George Village. He was joined by Warren County Tourism Director Joanne Conley, ARCC President Michael Bittel, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gina Mintzer and Patricia Dow of the Lake George Steamboat Company.
“Everyone around the region has taken all of the safety protocols from the Department of Health and the CDC to the nth degree to keep you and your families, as well as our employees and our neighbors and our community, safe,” says Mintzer. More than 120 businesses in the area, in addition to meeting state requirements, have taken the Lake George Region/Southern Adirondacks Health & Safety Pledge, a commitment to follow best practices in health and safety.
Lake George, as part of the Capital District Region, has just entered Phase 4 of the New York State COVID-19 reopening plan. This means most businesses are open (miniature golf courses may open July 6) but will be operating at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. All businesses require patrons to wear face coverings, this includes outdoor areas, such as on the deck of a cruise ship. Business owners are responsible for enforcing social distancing rules and may be penalized if patrons refuse to comply.
“There’s going to be crowds. Please respect that, please try to social distance, and by all means wear a mask.” — Village of Lake George Mayor Robert Blais
Shepard Park Beach and Million Dollar Beach are open, but with limited capacity. Space on the beaches is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Beach-goers must adhere to social distancing rules and wear masks when near others.
Joanne Conley recommends visitors explore the less crowded areas of Warren County, “We’d also like to invite you, if you’re here in Lake George, to visit the rest of the county. So, drive on up lakeshore drive into the town of Hague, or head over to Lake Luzerne or North Creek for some whitewater rafting. There’s some incredible hiking and cycling routes in the outer portions of the county up near Chestertown, Brant Lake, and Pottersville.”
Blais says he expects large crowds, but they are prepared, and he asks that visitors work in partnership with businesses to respect the rules. “Our merchants are ready,” says Blais, “our Chamber’s ready, the Mayor is ready, the Steamboat Company is ready— Come on up to Lake George and have a great time!”
