Those in the Raquette Lake/Long Lake area are gearing up for a weekend jam-packed with an array of festivities for the annual Durant Days celebration slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-3. The weekend serves as a celebration of the birth of Great Camps Architecture and William West Durant, the creator of this amazing style of architecture. History buffs of all ages are invited to travel back in time to the days when waterways were the highways and travel was by boat. Durant Days features boat tours of Raquette Lake aboard the W.W. Durant, tours of Great Camp Sagamore, Vespers service at St. Huberts, a boat parade, live music, a fireworks display, and more. See below for a schedule of events.
Aug. 1:
Historic Long Point Visit
8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. time (Boat access only)
Board the W.W. Durant for a water taxi ride to St. Williams. Captain will give you South Bay, Pine Knot, Echo Camp and St. Williams portions of the commentary before docking at St. Williams. It’s an exciting historical journey at prominent historic locations call (315) 354-5532 for reservations.
Aug. 2:
Durant Days – Tour Great Camp Sagamore
10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Half-price tickets for a guided tour of Great Camp Sagamore, the Alfred Vanderbilt wilderness estate for over 50 years. Reservations not required.
Click here to buy discounted tickets online.
2 p.m.: Gather at the Raquette Lake School for a concert by Wide Variety, performing their own unique brand of acapella songs delivering over a quarter century of harmony, fun, and friendship. This event is courtesy of St. Williams on Long Point and the Central Adirondacks Association.
Aug. 2:
Boat Parade & Fireworks in Raquette Lake
The Boat Parade in Raquette Lake begins at 6 p.m. Registration forms available at Burke’s or Birds Marina. Anything goes! We are looking for Party Barges, Runabouts, No-Octane. If it floats and it’s a boat, decorate it. All are welcome to get out on the water and show the classic spirit and tradition of Raquette Lake living. There will be cash prizes for the winners.
Aug. 3:
Durant Days and Boat Parade Weekend in Raquette Lake
10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Half-price tickets for a guided tour of Great Camp Sagamore, the Alfred Vanderbilt wilderness estate for over 50 years. Reservations not required.
Lunch in the historic dining hall at Great Camp Sagamore for $24.95 per person.
Book a ticket for tour and lunch online here
Reservations must be made by 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug 3.
3 p.m.: Vespers Service with The Reverend Nancy Rosenblum. Service will be followed by complimentary refreshments. Free transport from Village Dock at 2 p.m. Transportation provided by Burke’s Marina. An offering will be collected for building repairs. Musicians interested in playing for the service please contact at st.hubertsisle@gmail.com www.sthubertsisle.com or call: (315) 354-4267
For more information about Durant Days, please contact Long Lake Events at (518) 624-3077 or check out www.mylonglake.com.
Durant Days is sponsored by the Town of Long Lake and the Central Adirondack Association.
Photo at top provided by Emily Martz/Great Camp Sagamore.