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Silver Bay YMCA’s Annual Bluegrass Festival Gets a Fresh New Name

Silver Bay YMCA is embracing change as it rebrands its annual bluegrass festival to reflect a broader range of musical styles. Previously known as Bluegrass in Heaven, the event will now carry the name Silver Bay’s Mountain Music Festival.

The updated name aims to welcome fans of bluegrass, Americana, folk, and other mountain-inspired music genres.

"The original name of the festival, we came to realize, was unintentionally more limiting than the music this festival could represent," shared Lindsey Butler, Silver Bay YMCA’s VP of Sales and Marketing. "The new name allows us to expand our offerings in order to be as inclusive as possible."

The rebrand isn’t just in name alone. Silver Bay’s Mountain Music Festival will also feature a new logo to signify its evolution while keeping its roots firmly grounded in the spirit of bluegrass music.

A Festival Rooted in Community and Tradition

The bluegrass festival first began in 2023, thanks to a vision brought forth by longtime Silver Bay employee and volunteer Terry Baker. His goal was to bring bluegrass music to the Silver Bay area and boost visitation during a traditionally quieter time of year.

While the name has changed, the heart of the festival remains deeply tied to bluegrass music. According to Chet Lastowski, Silver Bay YMCA’s Assistant VP of Campus and Conference Programming, "With bluegrass at the heart of the festival, each performer brings a unique approach to their music. Whether weaving in classical influences or venturing into alternative bluegrass, these artists are elevating their craft."

Save the Date: September 12-14, 2025

Silver Bay’s Mountain Music Festival is set to take place from September 12 – 14, with an exciting lineup of artists to be announced in the new year. Tickets for the event will go on sale in early 2025, and additional details on ticket pricing and lodging options will be shared soon.

Silver Bay YMCA Recognized for Community Contributions

The Silver Bay YMCA was recently honored by the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) during the 2024 Community Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

They were recognized for their many significant investments in the community, including  the Silver Bay YMCA Ticonderoga Teen Center, and the Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center. 

Additionally, the organization received a Certificate of Recognition from NYS Senator Dan Stec, and a NYS Assembly Citation from Assemblyman Matt Simpson.

Thank you to the Silver Bay YMCA, for their continued efforts to enhance the local community through their various programs and activities offered!

Bandstand Brew Works Brings Craft Beer & Community Spirit to Warrensburg

After a soft opening, Bandstand Brew Works officially opens its doors at 3922 Main Street on October 4, marking a new era for Warrensburg - this is the first brewpub to open in the historic town!

Photos provided

Housed in a restored barn, Bandstand Brew Works honors its roots by retaining much of the original structure, creating a warm, inviting space that blends tradition with modern comforts.

In addition to the wide array of craft beers, wines, and seltzers, patrons are loving the food, in particular the hot cauliflower bites, fried Oreos, and especially the burgers. They also dig the ambiance - one reviewer said: "It somehow manages to be the kind of place you could either come on a first date or with kids."

Warrensburg locals will know the reference in the name, inspired by the Floyd Bennet Memorial Bandstand in the heart of Warrensburg.

Attend their 1-month in business ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7, or visit them any day of the week between 11am and 9pm. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday, 3pm to 6pm.

Sources:

• The Post Star: Bandstand Brew Works: What's old is new in Warrensburg
• Sun Community News: Warrensburg's first-ever brewpub under construction

Skating Rink & Lights at the Lake: New Winter Attractions

We can look forward to two new winter attractions in Lake George this season: a new skating rink and Lights at the Lake!

Note: This piece has been updated to reflect the new opening date for the skating rink.

Skating Rink

Construction on the skating rink on Beach Road is just wrapping up, and is set to open on December 1. The rink is utilizing synthetic ice, a durable, weather-proof surface made form interlocking panels of a material that imitates the look and feel of real ice. 

The rink will be used by the local school for gym classes, and will be open Thursday to Sunday unless school is closed: Thursday and Friday 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 12pm to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. 

Skating will be free, with skate rentals priced at $5.

Lights at the Lake

The Capital Holiday Lights the Capital Region has enjoyed at Washington Park in Albany for many years will be moving to Charles R. Wood Park this year, set to open on November 30.

This will be a walk-through attraction, free to the public.

Sources:

• Lake George Examiner
• WNYT News Channel 13: Lake George Builds New Public Ice Rink, Walk-Thru Light Display

Hurricane Grill & Wings Now Open at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge

They've been talking about it, and now it's here: Hurricane Grill & Wings is now open at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge! Patrons can expect a causal, family-friendly environment.

Menu highlights include jumbo wings, over 30 signature sauces and rubs, marinated steak and avocado tacos, mahi mahi, seared ahi tuna, premium burgers, and more. Kid-friendly options and an indoor-outdoor bar with cocktails and draft beers make it perfect for the whole family.

They're open 11am to 10pm daily. The new restaurant has already racked up several positive Google reviews, with patrons praising the atmosphere, servers, and wings. 

Hurricane Grill & Wings has nearly 50 restaurants across the US, however this is the first one to operate out of a Six Flags property. Johnny Rockets, the prior restaurant at this location, closed in September of 2023.