published: Sunday, December 09, 2012

Hats off to Lake Placid

Celebrations and congratulations to the citizens and leaders of Lake Placid -- having the town named "most interesting" in the country by the Reader's Digest magazine is an honor.

We should remember, however, it is not the first award the town has received. In 1995 the United States Department of Agriculture named Lake Placid rural community of the year, and in 1996 the outstanding rural community of the year.

Many cities competed against Last Placid this year.

Among other communities vying for the title were Joplin, Mo., Concord, Alaska -- which bragged about its spring snow -- and Eau Claire, Wis.

Just entering the contest is one example of what a vibrant place Lake Placid is. The honor came about because so many people took an interest, writing the magazine to explain just why their town -- which covers only 3.45 square miles and has fewer than 2,000 residents -- is so special.

It is those residents who make the town. Whether working individually or in groups, they created and nurtured the best Lake Placid has to offer.

Citizens participate in the local government and volunteer on committees. The creative community is organized and has vision. Its families support organized sports.

Today, the town embodies everything its founder, Dr. Melvil Dewey, hoped to accomplish, but couldn't quite make happen.

Lake Placid's history is interesting. The town changed names more than once while growing from a handful of homesteaders, to a posh resort, to falling on hard times in the Great Depression, to recovering and becoming a 21st century destination spot.

From the Mural Society and its 44 murals, to the Lake Placid Arts and Crafts Cooperative, to Keep Lake Placid Beautiful, to a robust chamber of commerce with its stable of dedicated volunteers, to the Caladium Festival, Toby's Clown Museum, The Lake Placid Historical Society and Main Avenue with its All-American flair -- the town truly has a lot to offer.

But wait, as they say on informercials, there's more.

What people have diversified and made appealing, nature enhances.

Stunning lakes, public parks, scrub areas and golf courses provide excellent opportunities for swimming and boating; fishing and hunting; bird watching, and hiking, making Lake Placid fascinating for those who love the outdoors.

And don't forget the views: the caladium fields and orange groves; the cypress trees and sunsets and the elegant clouds sliding across the brilliant blue skies.

We tend to undervalue our own backyards and overlook our neighbors. After all, we live in and see them every day. When strangers visit it is they who see us with fresh eyes.

The Reader's Digest's point-of-view view reflects what we miss -- just what an interesting place Lake Placid is.

We offer our respect and admiration to a community that has not only risen to challenges, but moved beyond. Savor the moment, you all earned it.

Now, what about doing something with the Tower?