Something special is planned for Friday in Raquette Lake and Saturday in Long Lake.

World-class ice sculptor Stanley Kolonko, who owns and operates The Ice Farm in Central New York, is coming to town before venturing off to Ottawa for the 23rd Crystal Garden International Ice Carving Exhibition.

He will create sculptures for the Raquette Lake school, Shamrock Motel & Cottages, Long Lake Historical Society, Friends of the Long Lake Library, Hoss’s Country Corner, Long Lake Diner / Owl’s Head Pub and Long Lake Town Beach.

Kolonko uses the best ice south of the Arctic Circle, utilizing reverse osmosis filtration, Clinebell ice machines and a good amount of patience.

If the weather looks too warm the date will be changed to maximize the length of time the sculptures last.

Look for mini-events throughout the town during the day as Kolonko visits each business to start his installation. Spectators welcome to watch him work.

The Town of Long Lake and local businesses are sponsoring his visit.

POKER RUN PLANNED

The Moonlighters Snowmobile Club will host its annual poker run spanning three communities - Newcomb, Long Lake and Raquette Lake - Feb. 10-11.

Pick up play cards at the Newcomb House or Raquette Lake Tap Room for $10 each. One must be at least age 18 to get a play card. Only original play cards stamped at each stop will be accepted at the end of the run.

The Moonlighters are not responsible for lost play cards.

The poker run starts at the open of business Friday, Feb. 10 and ends at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Adirondack Hotel. Dealing starts Saturday, Feb. 11, at Adirondack Hotel at 4 p.m.

All stamped play cards must be in by 5 p.m. - no exceptions. Door prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m. along with awards for first ($100), second ($75) and third ($50) place Best Hands.

For more call President Jim Piraino at (518) 624-3941_ or Secretary Harry Buxton at 624-2009.

TRY THE

HORS D’OEUVRES

Discover the best of Long Lake at the Third Annual Hors D’Oeuvres Tour Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6-9 p.m. for $25 in advance or $30 the day of the event.

Free transportation escorts you in style as you plunge yourself into a sumptuous dining adventure. Participating restaurants are The Cellar, Adirondack Hotel, Long Lake Diner / Owl’s Head Pub and Quackenbush’s Long View Wilderness Lodge.

Long Lake restaurants boast both casual and sophisticated dining areas with menus to match virtually every taste and preference. Each will serve three appetizers; it’s up to the participants to select the best one. Come out and find out what everyone is talking about.

Call ahead to arrange pick up by the Little Bus. Sign up early; last year the tour sold out.

Tickets are available at (518) 624-3077. Pay by cash or check payable to The Town of Long Lake, LL PRT Hors D’Oeuvres Tour_, POB 496, _Long Lake NY 12847.

WINTER

WONDERLAND WEEK

Presidents Day Week is a vacation for adults and kids. Make the most of it at Winter Wonderland Week in Long Lake Feb. 17-26.

Take an Arts & Basketmaking Class. Ski Big Tupper and Gore. Kid’s Survivor, Long Lake Winter Olympics will include skating races, sledding races and an obstacle course in the snow.

For more call (518) 624-3077.

GET OUT YOUR BROOM

The Long Lake / Tupper Lake Broomball Tournament will be Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Mt. Sabattis Geiger Arena and is open to the public.

Teams of five are eligible to sign up. There is a registration fee. Join the teams of the Long Lake Fire Department and the Tupper Lake Fire Department in their first ever broomball tournament.

If interested contact Royce at (518) 651-5156 or Haji at 645-1014. Registration is at Mt. Sabattis Geiger Arena, 6 Pavilion Way in Long Lake.

WINTER CARNIVAL

Raquette Lake Winter Carnival will be Feb. 18-19, President’s Day Weekend.

This two-day event features small town tradition and big time fun. The library is open all day for warmth, but outdoors is where the action takes place. Look for events and games for kids ages 5-12.

At noon Saturday Raquette Lake hosts its own Ladies Frying Pan Toss and Men’s Golf Drive. Bob Shelley the Magician entertains at Raquette Lake Library at 2 p.m. In the evening enjoy a tug of war, bonfire and an outstanding fireworks display.

The Cross-Cut & Chainsaw Competition starts at noon with Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Family divisions. Call (518) 624-3077 for more.

MAKE A WINE BASKET

Learn the basics of basket making or refine your weaving skills at a one-day class Monday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Long Lake Town Hall.

The basket holds two bottles of wine, or can be used in the bathroom to store rolls of toilet paper or rolled up towels. Students will select colors to create their own unique baskets.

The finished dimensions of the basket are 15 inches wide by 14 inches tall by five inches across. No prior basket making experience is necessary, and the instructor will provide all tools and materials.

The cost, including all materials, is $60 per student. Call (518) 624-3077 to sign up.