by Adele Burnett
Adirondack Christmas on Main Street was a fun and successful event in Inlet over the weekend of November 27, 28 and 29th! Businesses and specialty vendors provided unique shopping experiences throughout the weekend.
French Louie played Christmas music all weekend over the PA system that was heard through town.
Many letters to Santa were left in the special mailbox at the Inlet Town Hall. Santa himself will answer each letter that includes a return address.
At Mitch Lee’s direction, almost 80 children hunted for candy canes hidden in Arrowhead Park before returning to the town hall for popcorn, cocoa and holiday favorites playing on the big screen.
Each hunter selected a grab bag out of the prize box, compliments of the CAA.
Cuddles the Noah’s Ark Mascot made a special appearance during the hunt, and a few showed up in their ugly Christmas sweaters.
Mary Marleau was voted as wearing an Ugly Sweater, Alicia Burnett wore an Uglier Sweater, and Lisa Gambacorta wore the Ugliest Sweater.
About 50 dogs paraded down Route 28 in Inlet’s 7th annual Holiday Pet Parade, led by Patty Wittmeyer with Dora.
Two dogs were selected as Best Dressed: Harley, who belongs to the Lynt family of Old Forge and Stella who belongs to Alayna Nerschook of Inlet. All of the dogs received a treat, compliments of the Adirondack Reader.
Holiday pictures were taken by Adirondack Images at Screamen Eagle, with a special appearance by Santa.
Winners of Inlet’s Best Holiday Pie Contest were: Best Tasting – Apple Elderberry by Linda Fadel; Unique Recipe – Southern Buttermilk by Amanda Miller; Best Holiday Theme – Loaded Peppermint Mocha by Phyllis DeYoung; Family Favorite – Traditional Apple by Maggie Morello; and Chocolate Lover’s Favorite – Chocolate Marsh-mallow by Barb Murdock.
Many gathered around the fire in front of French Louie’s ADK Sports while awaiting the lighting of the tree where Curtis Osgood played the hammered dulcimer accompanied by guitar and fiddle.
This live music was compliments of the Inlet Youth Commission.
Pastor Phil Huber of the Inlet Community Church blessed the town tree while Bob Egenhofer flicked the switch to light it.
After listening to a few more tunes from Curtis around the tree, many gathered in the Senior Room for cocoa and another visit from Santa.
Each child received one of Inez Rudd’s famous Santa cookies. Many then wandered over to Matt’s Draft House for free samplings of wines and Adirondack cheeses.
Candy Cane Hunt, Film Festival, Face Painters, and Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop helpers were: Alicia Burnett, Robin Murdock, Kendra Carnell, Shawn Hansen, Becky Hasemeier, Katie Kelly, Mary Marleau, Britney Levi and Mackenzie LaPorte.
Pie judges were Mitch Lee, Kendra Carnell and Robin Murdock. Special thank you goes out to Jay-Jay Huebner and Leo Fadel.
Krissie DiMeno of Bloomfield, NY was the winner of the Basket Raffle held on Sunday.
The basket was filled with items and gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals.
Krissie and her family have been coming to Inlet’s Adirondack Christmas on Main Street for years.
Her children love Arrowhead Park, which is where they like to take photos for their holiday greetings cards. She said they enjoy the Christmas on Main Street event in Inlet because it is all about small town family fun for the holiday.