The 2020 Lake George Winter Carnival kicked-off Saturday with Opening Ceremonies in Shepard Park. A warm January left only a dusting of snow on the ground and a thin layer of ice on Lake George, but that did not keep away the crowds, and the Village was bustling with activity throughout the day. Lake George Town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson and Lake George Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gina Mintzer, in opening speeches, noted the array of events and activities scheduled. Most do not require a deep freeze.
Carnival Co-chair Nancy Nichols stressed the importance of safety, “I would just please remind you the ice is still thin, please be careful, and if you don’t have to go out there, please don’t.” Despite this caution, the surface of Lake George was dotted with ice fishermen, hockey players, figure skaters and people out for a stroll.
Onshore, the afternoon began with the chili cook-off. For $5, attendees could sample 16 varieties of chili from local restaurants and vote for their favorite. Mario’s Restaurant garnered the most votes, reportedly by a landslide. Sans Souci and Old Log Inn tied for second place and Dunham’s Bay The View tied for third with 10 McGillis.
The Winter Carnival Outhouse Races, the Carnival’s signature event, was held on the Festival Commons in Wood Park as its usual venue, the lake, would not have been safe. This year, $2,000 in prizes were awarded with $1,000 for first place, $700 for second and $300 for third. The field was small this year with five entries, one of which was disqualified for not meeting construction requirements.
The single-elimination race had teams of five push and pull their privies over the frozen grass and icy snow. Phoenix Property Ventures of Hudson Falls took first place; TGIPD, a team made up of Lake George High School graduates from the classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012, took home the second-place prize and the East Cove/Garrison team came in third. Awards were presented at The Lagoon.
Related: When does LG freeze
The Lake George Dogs Got Talent contest, which is held each day of the Winter Carnival, had several entries with some dogs displaying athleticism with agility and quick reflexes. Others charmed the judges with their endearing cuteness. A Frisbee-catching golden retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier bouncing a pink balloon on her nose were featured among the talents. The contest, held at 2 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday in February, is free to enter. It is sponsored by The Dog Cabin.
The Lake George Winter Carnival 2020 Parade stepped-off at 4 p.m. with a stream of marchers, floats and vehicles. Following the parade, attendees were offered the fixings for s’mores and the hot chocolate bar opened. Opening day was capped off by a fireworks display shot off over the lake.
The Lake George Winter Carnival is held each weekend in February. Updated information and schedule changes may be found on the LGWC Facebook page.
Ice fishermen and ice hockey players took advantage of the frozen areas of Lake George. 
Carnival attendees on the ice pause during singing of the National Anthem. 
Winter Carnival mascot Georgie and friend mingle with the crowd on opening day. 
A youth hockey league scrimmages on the lake. 
TGIPD, a new team formed by a group of Lake George graduates, took second place in the 2020 Outhouse Race. 
Phoenix Properties runs in the LGWC 2020 Outhouse Race. 
Horse-drawn carriage rides ran along Beach Road and Canada Street. 
King Neptune’s Pub featured live music on their parade float. 
The Lake George Rotary Club, serving the community since 1948, entered a float in this year’s Winter Carnival parade. 
The Lake George Family Truckster was and entry in the Winter Carnival parade. 
Sadie (left) took 2nd place and Reggie (Right) took 1st in the Lake George Dogs Got Talent contest. 
Dogs of all sizes displayed a variety of skills in the Lake George Dogs Got Talent contest. 
A bon fire on the beach warms onlookers. 
A costumed character orders food at the LGWC concession stand. 
Following the parade, the Winter Carnival Committe provided free s’mores fixings. 
Pony and horse rides are offered in Shepard Park. 
There were 16 entries in the chili cook-off.