![\"Competitors](\"https:\/\/www.adirondackexplorer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/JH_ESWGCrossCountry_2-1_003-scaled-1-scaled-1200x675.avif\")
Cross-country skiers race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. Explorer file photo.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s maple season in New York and many farms and organizations are hosting events across the state. The cross-country skiing World Cup also begins this week in Lake Placid.<\/p>\n
Cross-country skiers race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. Explorer file photo.<\/p>\n
Cross-country skiing World Cup in Lake Placid<\/p>\n
March 19-22 at Mount Van Hoevenberg<\/strong><\/p>\n The cross-country season finale will be held in Lake Placid. Over the course of eight events, the world\u2019s top cross-country skiers will compete on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. <\/p>\n The World Cup also offers additional activities for participants and attendees, including an agility course, short races for kids and more. <\/p>\n Top learn more about the World Cup and see the full event schedule, visit mtvanhoevenberg.com\/xcworldcupfinals.<\/a><\/p>\n Loon Zoom #5: Our favorite loon stories<\/p>\n 7-8 p.m. on March 19, online via Zoom<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel and Ginger Poleschook have been studying and conducting research on loons since 1995 in northeastern Washington. As a follow up to their 2024-2025 Loon Zoom presentation, they will present \u201cOur Favorite Loon Stories II.\u201d <\/p>\n Loon Zooms cost $10 to register. Register online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Spring Equinox Celebration in Old Forge<\/p>\n 4 p.m. on March 20 at Niccolls Memorial Church<\/strong><\/p>\n The Old Forge Library will host a Spring Equinox celebration on Friday, March 20. The\u00a0equinox\u00a0marks the seasonal shift from winter to\u00a0spring. This free community event is open to all, and participants of all ages are welcome.<\/p>\n The celebration will begin at Niccolls Memorial Church, where Naomi Kelly of Weaving Home will guide participants in Qigong. This ancient Chinese practice combines flowing movements, deep breathing and focused meditation to help balance qi, or vital energy. Qigong supports physical, mental and emotional well-being and is known to offer benefits such as increased flexibility, reduced stress, improved balance and enhanced immune function.<\/p>\n After the Qigong session, participants will walk across the parking lot to the Old Forge Library\u00a0to continue the celebration.<\/p>\n At 4:30 p.m., the\u00a0library\u00a0will host a\u00a0spring\u00a0tea gathering. Participants will create their own tea bags using loose tea, coffee filters, twine and simple materials. Guests can make several to take home and prepare one to enjoy during the gathering.<\/p>\n The activity will also include cookie decorating inspired by the balance of the\u00a0equinox, with simple black and white designs representing equal light and dark. The afternoon will conclude with a relaxed tea party using the\u00a0library\u2019s collection of mismatched teacups. <\/p>\n Thurman Maple Days<\/p>\n March 21 and 22 at various locations in Thurman<\/strong><\/p>\n Thurman hosts Maple Days, weekends with activities and maple treats. Participating establishments include: <\/p>\n\n