Aliens to invade Saranac Lake

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January 14, 2012

KIM SMITH DEDAM Press-Republican The Press Republican Sat Jan 14, 2012, 03:36 PM EST

SARANAC LAKE — The local community here is bracing for an alien invasion, one likely to hit on or about Feb. 2.

Parks are being kept clear for spaceship landings, cameras handy for UFO sightings and the imminent arrival of odd-looking creatures.

It's not a replay of "War of the Worlds."

But the 114th Saranac Lake Winter Carnival assures otherworldly antics with its Space Alien Invasion theme.

"We're waiting for the invasion," laughed Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sylvie Nelson on Wednesday.

"We're gearing ourselves to be very busy, to have an out-of-this-world good time. You know, everybody's imagination gets going at Winter Carnival time, and it's really interesting to see how people express it."

Odd-shaped items have already been spotted, hidden and under construction in local sheds as preparations are made for the 10-day festival.

'DOONESBURY' POSTER

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival parade is certain to be an extraterrestrial extravaganza, one open to individuals, schools, families, civic groups and businesses wanting to add a marching, dancing, hovering or walking coterie or float.

The collectible carnival button, designed by "Doonesbury" cartoonist Garry Trudeau, a Saranac Lake native, shows a startled Zonker wearing a space suit, appearing surprised as he turns to face a foe on some other planet.

On this planet, Trudeau also drew a special edition poster that shows just what Zonker is trying to escape as he trudges through thigh-deep snow.

The poster is being sold as a Winter Carnival fundraiser, autographed by Trudeau, with a limited number available for $50 plus $5 in shipping and handling charges.

The first poster, numbered "1," will be raffled off during Winter Carnival, and unsigned copies will be available at Chamber of Commerce offices and locations around the village.

WINTER GAMES

The carnival's Grand Marshal Reception is set for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Elks Lodge and is free for all. The Royalty Dinner, catered by Nonna Fina, will follow at 6:30. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for ages 6 through 13, and free for those 5 and younger. The deadline is Jan. 30 for reservations with prepayment, which are required. Call Milt Adams at 891-4367. Make checks out to the Winter Carnival Committee and mailed them to him at 680 County Route 18, Lake Clear, NY 12945.

To reserve a signed Winter Carnival poster, call 891-4344 or email Winter Carnival Director Jeff Dickson at casjdcksn@aol.com.

Events, including coronation of Winter Carnival royalty and subsequent alien arrivals, begin on Thursday, Feb. 2, and continue through Feb. 12.

Find the schedule of Winter Carnival events, forms to enter the winter-sport-and-game competition and the parade, and nominate the king and queen at: saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

Email Kim Smith Dedam at: kdedam@pressrepublican.com