Blog
2027 Walleye Challenge Rules
2027 Walleye Challenge Rules
Entry fee is $60 with pre-registration required. Payment and registration is due NO LATER THAN JANUARY 22ND with NO EXCEPTIONS. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
1.The contest is limited to 1,500 entrants on a first-come, first-served basis with NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. All fishing to take place ONLY on the Great Sacandaga Lake.
3. Contestants may fish anywhere on the Great Sacandaga Lake.
4. Contest runs from 7:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, February 13th, 2027. Contestants may be on the ice, holes drilled and cleaned, but there are no tip-ups allowed in the water prior to 7:00am.
5. All New York State DEC laws apply.
6. You will be issued a tag after registration that MUST be worn on the day of the contest. Anyone fishing without a tag will be disqualified. If someone without a tag is fishing in a group, the entire group will be disqualified. There can be as many people in your group as you want who are not participating in the contest as long as they are not fishing. Those not fishing may bring in a contestant’s fish to the weigh-in stations for entry.
7. Only one entry per registrant’s name is allowed. You may purchase multiple tags for multiple people, but each entry form MUST have an exclusive name to it.
8. FOR 2027: TAGS WILL BE MAILED VIA USPS REGULAR MAIL. YOUR MAILING ADDRESS MUST BE ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM. Please do not lose your tags as they cannot be replaced. There will be no tags available on the day of the contest. The event committee is not responsible for tags that were mailed to the wrong address. It is the responsibility of the participants to have their correct mailing address on the form.
9. Once you receive your tag you are registered to fish in the Walleye Challenge. There will be no need to check-in or register the morning/day of the contest. There is NO transferring of tags.
10. There will be FOUR weigh stations for the contest; one in front of Lanzi’s on the Lake (Route 30, Mayfield), one in front of Sport Island Pub (108 Riverside Drive, Northville) and one in front of the New York State Boat Launch in Broadalbin (Lakeview Road), and one in front of Ponderosa Pines (770 N Shore Rd, Hadley).
11. All fishing must be done in the open view of officials or contestants will be disqualified. Contestants can be in an ice shanty, but there will be no fresh holes in the ice under your shanty and no fishing will be allowed inside closed shelters.
12. There will be official clocks at both weigh stations that can be viewed by everyone. All start times and end times and hourly changes will go by those clocks with no exceptions. You must be at either weigh station with fish no later than 3:00pm and zero seconds to qualify. PLEASE SYNCHRONIZE YOUR WATCHES TO THESE CLOCKS.
13. A total of seven (7) lines are allowed per each person with a contest tag; any seven (7) line combination of jig poles and tip-ups is allowed.
14. All fish must be weighed in on the official scales at weigh stations by event officials. In the event of a tie in weight, the first fish entered will win. NO DEAD FISH WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY. Bags are the best way to transport fish.
15. All fish entered become the property of the event officials who will release the fish back into the Great Sacandaga Lake.
16. Entry times for fish will be determined when the fish arrives at the weigh station NOT when it is caught. If the hour changes while you are en route to the weigh station it will be entered for the next hour’s contest.
17. Fish may not be held for entry within another contest hour. When fish is caught, it must either be entered for that hour or released immediately back into the Great Sacandaga Lake.
18. There will be $2,149 in prizes per hour awarded: $599 1st prize; $500 2nd prize; $400 3rd prize; $300 4th prize; $200 5th prize; $100 6th prize; $50 7th prize.
19. Cash prizes and recreational vehicles will be awarded at 4:00pm at Lanzi’s on the Lake, 1751 State Highway 30, Mayfield. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Door prizes not picked up by 5:00pm will become the property of the event committee. At the event, there will be whiteboards at weigh stations that will list all the numbers of the winners (corresponding to tags).
20. You must be present to win contest door prizes (except for the recreational vehicles). Identification may be required to claim prizes. Again– prizes not picked up by 5:00pm will become the property of the event committee. You may pick them up at the LANZI’S ON THE LAKE, MAYFIELD weigh station throughout the day.
21. In the event that an hourly prize is not awarded due to the lack of entries, money will be awarded as determined by event officials.
22. If a tagged Walleye is caught during the 8-hour contest, an additional $300 will be paid (yellow tag).
23. IN CASE THERE IS NO ICE ON THE GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE, all prizes will be given away at Lanzi’s on the Lake starting at 12 noon on Saturday, February 13th, 2027 BY RANDOM DRAWING (contest tag numbers).
24. Any unsportsmanlike conduct, as determined by the event officials, will be cause for disqualification. All winning entrants may be subject to a polygraph test before awarding of cash prizes.
25. The event committee reserves the right to revise contest rules as necessary.
26. Part of the event proceeds will be donated to the Great Sacandaga Fisheries Federation for Walleye stocking on the Great Sacandaga Lake.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL FUEL-N-FOOD at (518) 661-6917 or THE FULTON MONTGOMERY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE at (518) 725-0641
SAVE THE DATE! Annual Caroga Winter Carnival Jan. 29, 30 & 31, 2027!
Save these dates as the highly anticipated Caroga Winter Carnival is back January 29.30 and 31, 2027. This 3-day town wide event offers endless activities for all winter adventure seekers. Daily music, food and beverages are just the beginning – try some winter games, visit the vintage snowmobile show, get toasty by a bonfire, go snowshoeing, x-c skiing, sledding, maybe downhill ski or snowboard at Royal Mountain, or fat-biking at Wheelerville Trails. There are miles of snowmobile trails, a light snowmobile rave parade on Caroga Lake, followed by fireworks. Ice fishing clinic, pancake breakfast a possible polar plunge. snow volleyball, the chilly chili contest, the Caroga Outhouse Races – with more events to be added!
Start your Outhouse Race entry early! Rules, regs and form are attached. Stay tuned for new information and updates!
CLICK HERE FOR OUTHOUSE RULES/REGS & SIGH-UP FORM: outhouse race rules 2027_final
Sleds on one of the many trails
Fat Biking at Wheelerville Trails
Fireworks over a frozen Caroga Lake
Annual Caroga Outhouse Race
Blazing Paddles! Visit Fulton County’s colorful waterways this Fall!
Blazing Paddles!
Visit Fulton County’s colorful waterways this Fall!
Pine Lake
The splendor of the seasons comes naturally to Fulton County, situated at the foothills of the Adirondacks – nearly entirely in the southern Adirondack Park. Fulton County is home adventure with 44 lakes and 74,832 acres of wild forest and miles of crystal clear rivers.
Fall is the time for an early dawn crisp-weather paddle when the water is glassy and steam rises off the surface. Effortlessly paddle through the quiet waters, all while taking in the spectrum of autumns warm hues surrounding the shores.
You will find Fulton County’s waterways to be serene and not crowded. Take the time to relax, decompress and get yourself back into nature. Here are a few paddling site suggestions:
1. Pine Lake and Green Lake – Some locations shown may border or include private property — always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting
2. On West Lake in Caroga, there is a small boat launch.
“Loved this lake combo! We kayaked from the launch around West Lake, through to Green Lake. Oct. 2, 2023, unusually warm!” – Tammy – 2023
3. On East Caroga Lake, there is a DEC campsite with a beach. It offers kayak/canoe rentals.
“Plenty of picnic areas with picnic tables and shade. They have fire pits and grills along with bathrooms. Parking is easy and close to the swimming area.” – Yellow Crayon – 2025
4. Peck’s Lake (the Peck family) offer day use access to Peck’s Lake in Bleecker but they rent boats for visitors. 180 Peck Lake Rd, Gloversville, NY
“This lake is beautiful and it has hiking and biking and walking trails and it’s dog friendly on leash of course, you can swim and fish and in a certain area you can hunt when seasons are available!” – Nikki – 2026
5. Rockwood Lake (Caroga/Ephratah) a small boat launch as well. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property — always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting
6. Mayfield Town Park has access to Mayfield Lake, 110 Pump House Rd, Mayfield, NY
“The Mayfield Natural Trail is a very nice and well maintained path. It follows the edge of Mayfield Lake and has areas along the trail for fishing. The pathway is very easy for kids and perfect to bring your dog along. If you have an hour or two to spare, this location is perfect to chill at.” Matthew – 2026
7. Broadalbin on the Great Sacandaga Lake, NYSDEC Boat Launch, County Highway 110, Broadalbin. NY
“A nice place to go hang out with friends. I love watching the boats on the lake.” – Tammy – 2026
8. Northampton Beach Campground, Great Sacandaga Lake – (*Fee) 328 Houseman St., Mayfield, NY
“Pleasantly surprised by access to the water, shade, amenities. Crowded day at the end of the season, but enjoyed it.” – David – 2022 –
9. Little Lake in Northville – Northville Kayak Launch – **all-access (or ADA-compliant) kayak launch – Installed in 2024 – the launch is one of the first of its kind in the Adirondack Park on Northville’s quiet Little Lake.
10. Northville/Northampton Sacandaga River/Great Sacandaga Lake – NYSDEC Boat Launch, 582 NY-30, Northville, NY 12134, with an **all-access (or ADA-compliant) fishing pier.
Be sure to wear your PDF! Go to www.44lakes.com to find other outdoor adventures, a multitude of things to do, and plan an overnight stay!
Nine Corner Lake
Pine Lake
Great Sacandaga Lake, Northampton Beach
5th annual Wheelerville Mountain Bike Festival gearing up to be the biggest ever!
The 5th Annual Wheelerville Trails Bike Fest returns Aug. 21–23, 2026 and it’s shaping up to be the biggest year yet!
Visit the famed Wheelerville Trails, located at 1737 NY-10 in Caroga Lake, New York for a weekend packed with guided rides, skills clinics, the Live Free and Fly DH race, jump comp (featuring cash prizes!), kids events, live art, gear demos, raffle and more trail-side fun all weekend long!
In addition this year, Wheelerville Trails is excited to welcome influencer/mountain biking rapper BIG JAMES PRIVLEGE as this year’s host, along with the return of Truemaster Trimingham to keep the energy high all weekend.
In a new twist the year, the event is expanding the action to nearby Peck Hill Trails. Kick things off Friday, Aug. 21, with a group ride, then head to Stump City Brewing LLC for the opening party.
Book your lodging, grab your riding crew, and get ready for your favorite Adirondack weekend of the year.
2026 WHEELERVILLE BIKE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
The 5th Annual Wheelerville Bike Festival is almost here. Join us for three days of riding, racing, skills clinics, group rides, kids events, competitions and plenty of time to hang out in the Caroga community. Pack your bike (and your bathing suit) and head on up! Also, this we’re expanding the action to nearby Peck Hills Trails!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
4 PM — Welcome Ride + Food
Pecks Hill Trails / Stump City Brewing
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
8:30 AM — Intermediate Jumps & Drops Skills Clinic with The Dirt Disco
9 AM — Gear Raffle Opens
10 AM — Group Rides- Meet at the Wheelerville Tent
- Taryn & Lyndsey — Women’s Ride
- Kelly Ann & June — Intermediate Ride
- Scott & Asher Hock — Advanced Ride
11 AM — Sinter Brakes Longest Skid Competition
12 PM — Intermediate/Advanced MTB Skills Clinic with The Dirt Disco
1 PM — Live Free and Fly Downhill Race
2:30 PM — Downhill Race Awards
3–4 PM — Jump Jam & Red Bull Bike Whip Off Contest-Awards following
5 PM — Caroga Lake Float & Paddle-Meet at Shermans Beach
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
8:30 AM — Intro to Jumps & Drops Skills Clinic with The Dirt Disco
10 AM — Shredders MTB/ L.L.Bean Kids Skills Clinic
10 AM — Intro to Pecks Hill Trails Group Ride
Meet at Stump City Brewing
11:30 AM LL Bean & Shredders Kids Race on Bandit
11:30 AM — Ride With Big Priv Group Ride
12 PM — Stayin Alive: Beginner MTB Skills Clinic with The Dirt Disco
12:30 PM — Wheelie Lessons with LLBean
2 PM — Gear Raffle Winners Announced
Riders, this one’s for you. Spectators, you’re going to want to be there!
Saturday, August 22 at 3 PM, for the Wheelerville Bike Fest Jump Jam and Red Bull Bike Whip Off. Session the jumps, get creative, throw down your best tricks to battle for the top spots. Both events are a jam style format with a final. Don’t miss this crowd favorite event, this year hosted by BIG JAMES PRIVLEGE Red Bull Bike!
$2,000 TOTAL CASH PURSE!
Top 5 riders in both men and women’s categories take home:
1st — $500
2nd — $250
3rd — $150
4th — $50
5th — $50
Plus, compete for the Red Bull Best Whip Award
Registration is FREE – Want to ride? Sign up! Want to watch? Grab a spot and get ready for the show!
KIDS’ DAY AT WHEELERVILLE!
Sunday, August 23 is all about the next generation of shredders!
Coaches from L.L.Bean and Shredders MTB are teaming up to present a full morning of riding, fun racing, and learning at the Wheelerville Bike Fest on Sunday, August 23.
9:30 AM — Registration
10:00 AM — Kids Skills Clinic
11:00 AM — Kids Race on Bandit
12:30 PM — Wheelie Lessons
Whether they’re just learning to ride or already looking for their next challenge, it’s a great morning to make friends, build confidence, and have some fun at Wheelerville.
**Free and open to kids of all skill levels!
Tasting is Believing – Discover Food, Farms & Fulton County!
Tasting is Believing – Discover Food, Farms & Fulton County!
The 2026 Harvest is out and FRESH now!!
Fulton County is an up-and-coming food destination that has gaining recognition for quality and variety of its agricultural products. Steeped in natural beauty and American history, it’s just up the road and here for you to discover!
Fulton County farms are “just next door” to the Capital District, Schenectady, and Saratoga. More than half the county is within the Adirondack Park, which serves as a “gateway” to the park. Our farms benefit from this natural beauty, and the locale may be a ‘last chance’ to get fresh, local foods before entering the wilderness!
The county is known for its 44 lakes and 74,832 acres of wild forest, along with a rich, American and Adirondack history creating a home for many Amish-based local agricultural products. Fulton County Agriculture presents consumers with a wide variety of options, from farm-fresh produce to maple products, dairy, meats, and baked goods
Harvest time is here – Find the farms and farms stands, meet the farmers, discover the products and experience the freshest options only Fulton County can offer.
The Arts are alive in Northville!
Northville Rotary Woodworking & Fine Arts Weekend Show
The Arts are Alive in Northville!
NORTHVILLE, NEW YORK – JULY 15, 2026 – The Arts are recognized and appreciated in Fulton County all year long, but especially this weekend in Northville, New York, featuring the 17th annual Northville Rotary Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend on tap. But there is so much more…
Over 70 juried artisans will be displaying, many demonstrating their unique talents all while in a quaint southern Adirondack setting. Casually walk through Northville’s Town Park, or peruse the artists indoors at the Town Municipal Building – the event is free of charge.
The show’s popularity with visitors, and its magic of bringing back repeat artists may very well be due to the Northville Rotary’s superlative hospitality, but the Adirondack Mountain backdrop and the thrilling mountain lakes surrounding this Northville peninsula on three sides is aesthetically beautiful and feeds creativity. This rustic setting is the ideal environment for art and culture.
Art and history play a vital role in this community. On the show site, is the Gifford Valley # 9 one–room school house, circa 1813, which now houses the Northville/Northampton Historical Museum. Ring the school bell in the tower, examine original artifacts and experience just what makes this local history so rich. Just a short walk up to 208 S. Main Street is the Red Barn Antiques, now in its 58th year owned by the same family, featuring past treasures in a circa 1850 livery stable – built for the historic Winney House Hotel formerly located across the street in this historic village.
The arts cannot even be mentioned in this region without instantly attributing so much credit of this culture to the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN.) Their mission has been to improve the quantity, quality, and diversity of cultural programming throughout the Sacandaga region. They continue to do so while preserving the basic character of the rural Adirondack communities they support.
SVAN is a multi-faceted arts organization offering art exhibits, events, workshops, music and concert series and theater events year round. Just across the street from the Town Park, visitors can walk to the newly renovated SVAN Art Gallery at 303 S Main Street, with additional art and alternating featured artist.
SVAN is also is hosting a free concert in Northville’s Waterfront Park at 6 p.m. Part of their Summer Concert Series, Saturday nights entertainment features the Latino sounds of Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra.
This weekend, Northville is the hub for a summer arts and cultural experience in the southern Adirondacks. You will find a little something for everyone spanning from quaint walking tours, fine art, exclusive wood working, music, and the small town charm of small shops and eateries.
The 17th annual Woodworking & Fine Arts Weekend begins on Friday, July 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. continuing Saturday 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 412 S. Main Street in the village.
For more on Fulton County art, history and culture, go to www.44lakes.com, or visit www.svanarts.org, and www.northvillerotary.com.
The Red Barn Antiques
Northville/Northampton Historical Museum
SVAN Art Gallery
SVAN Art Gallery entrance
The official BWB/Henry Firearms Launch of the new Henry Longranger
Premier Event Slated:
Official Launch of the new Henry Firearms/Big Woods Bucks Long Ranger Carbine
FULTON COUNTY, NEW YORK – Seven years in the making, this event is the premier of a monumental collaboration between Big Woods Bucks (BWB) and Henry Repeating Arms as they nationally present the newly designed BWB Henry Long Ranger Carbine. The BWB Henry Carbine is designed for the mobile hunter – the trackers and still-hunters in the “big woods.”*
This Saturday June 13, executives from both BWB and Henry Repeating Arms will be at Frank’s Gun Shop for a grand open house to present nationally, for the first time ever, this new firearm.
“No better place to host this event then the Gateway to the Adirondacks in Fulton County,” – BWB Co-Director Strategic Partnerships, Mark Scheeren.
John Havlick, owner of Frank’s Gun Shop is honored to be chosen host of this national, highly anticipated launch site. For decades, Frank’s Gun Shop is a premier retailer with a serious obligation to quality, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the art of responsible gun ownership.
In anticipation of the high visitor volume, Frank’s Gun Shop is bringing on extra staffing and allowing additional amenities to accommodate those attending. Visitors are anticipated to be coming in from throughout the northeast. “This is actually very exciting and it’s going to be a fun day,” states Havlick.
From the Fulton County Visitors Bureau perspective, this is a grand opportunity to showcase the true sportsman’s paradise the county offers. As the gateway to the Adirondacks with nearly two-thirds of the county in above the Blue Line, along with 44 lakes and over 74,000 acres of wild forest, Fulton County is an angler and hunter’s haven.
In addition, the county is sponsoring transportation to and from an additional parking site, just up the road at the Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum. The 26,000 sq. ft. museum will be open as well on Saturday boasting of art, artifacts and memorabilia of the centuries old sporting traditions hunting, fishing and all sports afield, displaying North America’s largest collection or record class whitetail deer head displays, full-size mounts of bears, wolves, buffalo, mountain lions, fish, birds and much more.
Big Woods Productions LLC, an educational media company, focuses on providing a perfect mix of education and entertainment to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. A significant part of the Big Woods Mission is to inspire new, intermediate and hard core hunters to shift from today’s more common hunting methods of food plots and stand hunting to a more woodsman skills focused outdoor experience. Utilizing the core fundamental skill sets of tracking and still-hunting taught by the Big Woods Team will afford each individual the opportunity to enter into the world of confidently experiencing the big woods and all that it offers.
*What is referred to as “Big Woods” are any lands without agriculture and typically consists of boreal forests and mountainous terrain throughout the Northern Tier of North America and Canada.
Henry Repeating Arms is one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers and is the world-leader in the lever action category, manufacturing a line of classic, well-crafted firearms any enthusiast can afford. Their products are “Made in America, Or Not Made At All.”
Saturday’s event, The Official BWB/Henry Carbine Launch Event at Frank’s Gun Shop will offer:
– The Nationwide premier of the latest BWB/Henry Long Ranger Carbine
– Live BWB podcasts
– Meet the BWB Team:
- Hal Blood – Co-Founder, BWB, Master Maine Guide, expert tracker and author, Host, The Big Woods Bucks Podcast
- Lee Schanz Jr. – Rifle expert and outdoor historian, Senior Team Member and Master Maine Guide, Co-Host, The Big Woods Bucks Podcast
- Mark Scheeren – Team Member and Co-Director of Strategic Partnerships, Co-Host, Adirondack Hunt Podcast
- Brad Willey – Founder of White Mountain Buck Trackers and BWB Team Member
- Austin Scheeren – Remote-tent hunting expert and Team Member, Co-Host, Adirondack Hunt Podcast
- Bob Dunbar – Expert Adirondack hunter and fisherman, Team Member, Co-Host, Adirondack Hunt Podcast
- Scott Gaillard – Big Woods Bucks Director of Videography and COO
- Brian Connor – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Big Woods Bucks, LLC
– Various giveaways, youth and adult
– Beverage and Food Trucks
– BWB-Seek Outside Tent Demo
– Additional parking and transportation from The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum, with an opportunity to visit this unique sportsman’s venue
Resisting Revolution: Loyalist Lectures at Johnson Hall, 250th American Revolution Commemoration Event
Resisting Revolution: Loyalist Lectures at Johnson Hall
250th American Revolution Commemoration Event
Johnson Hall was a center of tension during the early days of the American Revolution in the spring of 1776.
CREDIT: NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
(JOHNSTOWN, NEW YORK) – On Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6 pm, Johnson Hall State Historic Site will explore the stories of Loyalist and British-allied civilians in the upper-Hudson and Mohawk Valleys during the American Revolution. Following an introduction by Johnson Hall Interpretive Programs Assistant Ian Mumpton, historians Anne Clothier and Tom Pettigrew will offer a pair of presentations on local Loyalists.
In picturing the Revolution, those who sided with the British Crown are often painted with a broad brush as wealthy elites, out of touch with the plight of poor Revolutionaries. In reality, their backgrounds and experiences varied widely across the economic, social, and political spectrums. When the violence of the Revolution came to upstate New York, many, including some of the most vulnerable people in society, chose to oppose it. These talks will highlight the stories of local people who risked their lives and livelihoods to resist.
This program is free and open to all, but due to limited space, pre-registration is required. Please call the historic site at 518-762-8712 to confirm your seat.
This event is part of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at New York state parks and historic sites and made possible by support from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission, and The Friends of Johnson Hall. For more events and information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war.
Johnson Hall is located at 139 Hall Avenue in Johnstown, NY. As the home of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant, it served as a seat of trade and diplomacy on the borderlands of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee and British colonial holdings in North America. The Hall is open for guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. For further information, please call (518) 762-8712, visit the site’s website or find Johnson Hall State Historic Site on Facebook.
Re-live American History – The 1776 Seizure Reenactment at Johnson Hall, May 16 and 17
A 1903 painting depicts the presentation of medals to the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy in 1772 from Johnson Hall
Re-live American History – The 1776 Seizure Reenactment at Johnson Hall, May 16 and 17
Occupation and Confiscation of Johnstown Reenactment
250th American Revolution Commemoration Event
(JOHNSTOWN, NEW YORK) – In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Johnson Hall State Historic Site will commemorate the occupation of Johnstown and the confiscation of Johnson Hall by Revolutionary forces in May 1776.
The free, two-day living history event on May 16 and 17, 2026 will feature military and civilian reenactors interpreting the experiences of local colonial European, Mohawk, and enslaved African communities, staged recreations of key events in downtown Johnstown and at Johnson Hall, and a chance to see the interior of the historic home as never seen before— looted and ruined in the aftermath of the raid.
Only five months after disarming Johnstown in January 1776, Continental soldiers occupied the community once again in May, seizing Johnson Hall and arresting residents accused of refusing to support the Revolution. Lady Mary Watts Johnson, her young children, and other members of the household were taken to Albany, where they were held hostage to ensure the compliance of the Johnson family.
Johnstown would remain a key location in the contest for control of the region, as local residents – rebel, loyalist, and neutral alike – found their world turned upside down, facing an uncertain future in the civil war that was to come.
On Saturday, May 16, the event will begin in downtown Johnstown at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Main and North William Streets. Reenactors portraying community members will explain the varied news of approaching Revolutionary soldiers.
This will be followed by the arrival and military parade of the 3rd New Jersey Regiment, the arrest of suspected Loyalists, and a recreation of the conference between officers of the regiment and representatives from the Mohawk community of Tiononderoge/Fort Hunter.
At 12:30 p.m., the downtown portrayal will conclude, and the reenactment procession will move to Johnson Hall State Historic Site (139 Hall Ave. Johnstown, NY 12095) where at 1:30 p.m., the action resumes with a recreation of the Hall’s confiscation, the arrest of Lady Johnson, and the looting of the Hall.
After the conclusion of the scripted commemorations, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with reenactors and site staff about the history of the event while touring the ransacked Hall until 5 p.m.
On Sunday, May 17, Johnson Hall State Historic Site will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ongoing living history interpretation. Explore the historic house, defensive structures and grounds, witness recreations of the courts-martial that followed the looting of the Hall, and converse with reenactors and staff to learn about the aftermath of the confiscation and raid.
This commemoration is free and open to all. It is made possible by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission, The Friends of Johnson Hall, the City of Johnstown, Fulton County and Fulton County Tourism.
This event is part of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at New York state parks and historic sites. For more events and information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war.
Johnson Hall is located at 139 Hall Avenue in Johnstown, NY. As the home of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant, it served as a seat of trade and diplomacy on the borderlands of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee and British colonial holdings in North America. The Hall is open for guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. For further information, please call (518) 762-8712, visit the site’s website or find Johnson Hall State Historic Site on Facebook.
PHOTO CAPTION: The January 1776 raid of Johnson Hall was recreated on January 17, 2026 at Johnson Hall State Historic Site.
CREDIT: New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
Jim Levulis
Public Affairs & Community Engagement Coordinator
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Saratoga-Capital Region | 19 Roosevelt Dr. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Johnson Hall is located at 139 Hall Avenue in Johnstown, New York. As the home of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant, it served as a seat of trade and diplomacy on the borderlands of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee and British colonial holdings in North America. The Hall is open for guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. For further information, please call (518) 762-8712, visit the site’s website or find Johnson Hall State Historic Site on Facebook.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
Fulton County is rich in authentic American History – visit www.44lakes.com to find out more and plan your visit!
PHOTO CAPTION: The January 1776 raid of Johnson Hall is recreated on January 17, 2026 at Johnson Hall State Historic Site.
CREDIT: NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Maple Weekends on “Tap” March 21/22 & 28/29
Fieldridge Farms, Johnstown
Taste the Tradition – Maple Weekends are back! Join the sweet fun March 21-22, and March 28-29.
Maple Weekends allow for a chance for the public to come to the farms to learn about New York’s maple sugarmaking processes and traditions and to provide a chance to taste pure maple syrup in its many forms – right from the source. Families are invited to experience first-hand the sights, smells and sounds of maple sugar-making. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, taste New York’s freshest syrup and purchase maple products. Come visit our Fulton County Sugarhouses:
Brower Road Sugar House, Gloversville, (518) 848-7685
Fieldridge Farms, 801 County Highway 116, Johnstown
Mud Road Sugar House, Ephratah, (518) 863-6313
Peaceful Valley Maple Farms, Johnstown, (518) 762-0491
*This event is organized and sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers’ Association, proudly funded by both its members and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Various maple products