Caladium Festival Successful

LAKE PLACID - The 17th Annual Caladium Festival attracted 20,000 to 25,000 visitors and "went off without a hitch," according to organizer Eileen May.

Rain showers dampened just the last few minutes on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 26 -- the third and final day of the three-day festival.

Local businesses and vendors were both pleased by the turnout, with area motels near capacity, said May, Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce CEO/president of operations.

"Everything was on time," said May, "and the entertainment was very well received. We welcomed a lot of people into our lovely town."

The chamber president said the car show with 165 entries was "very successful" and thanked Colley Financial Services for tabulating the judged results by early Saturday afternoon.

Ray Cameron, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, said that a record 168 runners generated more than $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity, during the 5K race held in memory of Dr. Tom McDonald.

May also said that almost every tour bus to the caladium fields was full of flower lovers.

Some 2007 festival merchandise is still available at the Caladium Co-Op on Interlake Boulevard. May thanked the Alan Jay Automotive Network for sponsoring the official festival shirts and Highlands Independent Bank for sponsoring the hats.

May also thanked hundreds of volunteers and city employees.

"We couldn't have done it without the help of the volunteers," she said.

Lake Placid - also known for more than 40 murals, its whimsical trash containers, the Birds Around Town program and 29 surrounding lakes -- produces more than 90 percent of the world's caladium bulbs on 1,500 acres of rich farmland.