Where in the Adirondacks? Flying High Edition
Play our virtual scavenger hunt.
Do you know this statue and its location in Lake Placid?
Note: this challenge is complete. Did you guess correctly? Review the clues again, and scroll down to see the correct answer and the contest winner.
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” contest focused on Lake Placid, the charming town in the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. Lake Placid is an outstanding destination for outdoor adventure year-round. And the subject of this puzzle definitely thrived in the Adirondack outdoors.
To win this virtual scavenger hunt, contestants had to name the location of this statue in Lake Placid and the person it was erected to honor.
Clues to help you solve the puzzle.
The statue depicts an American ski jumper born in Lake Placid who competed in the Olympics and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships during the 1950s.
However, before his ski jumping career, this individual served as a B-24 pilot during World War II. He completed fifty combat missions over Europe and earned three Purple Hearts and numerous other military honors.
After returning from the war, he resumed his competitive ski jumping career in the Adirondack High Peaks. In addition, he ventured into the hospitality business by establishing a small motel. Over time, the motel grew in size and popularity and eventually became a famous destination in Lake Placid.
After hanging up his competitive skis, he devoted his time and energy to his growing family and the motel that carried his name.
In 1963, he became a member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. He also developed a side hustle with ABC's Wide World of Sports (remember "The thrill of victory ... and the agony of defeat"?) as a color commentator on ski jumping for both ABC and CBS. He became known as the "voice of ski jumping" for over two decades. And the TV exposure had a positive impact on the motel business back in Lake Placid.
His TV career wasn't limited to sportscasting. He also appeared as an imposter on a 1961 episode of the classic game show "To Tell the Truth." He received one of four possible votes. After identifying himself by name, he gave a giant shout-out to "Beautiful Lake Placid" and (of course) his motel.
A lifetime resident and booster of Lake Placid and the Adirondack region, he was instrumental in the village securing the bid for the XIII Olympic Winter Games. He and a group of community leaders lobbied across Europe to pitch Lake Placid as the perfect destination for the 1980 Winter Olympics.
When the Olympic Committee awarded the 1980 Winter Games to Lake Placid, he served as Vice President of the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee.
By the 1990s, his son and daughter-in-law took over the family business, bringing modern updates to the motel. It still operates successfully in Lake Placid and carries the family's name today.
His statue's location in Lake Placid is appropriate for all of the above information (and should be easy to guess).
Do you know this statue and its location in Lake Placid?
Congratulations to Chuck M. from Rochester, NY, whose winning submission correctly identified the sculpture's subject, the exceptional Art Devlin, and its location, the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid.
Honorary mention and extra brownie points go to Bob M. from Lake Placid, who also provided the name of the statue’s talented sculptor, Robert J. Eccleston.
Chuck and Bob will receive our Adirondack Park 20 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler (retail value $27.50).
It's perfect for a favorite hot or cold beverage on an ADK road trip, camping expedition or boat ride. Its spill-resistant design helps everyone leave no trace.
See the official rules below.
Show off your love for the Adirondacks.
Upcoming events in the Tri-Lakes & High Peaks region of the Adirondacks.
Discover the best places to stay, shop, eat and things to do in Lake Placid.
Complete 'Where in the ADK?' Official Rules.
Entries should be submitted through the puzzle submission form on the adktaste.com website. Please fill out all fields to include your name, e-mail address, and the “Where in the ADK?" (WITA) answer.No purchase is required.
Entry deadline: Entries must be received by ADK Taste by Friday midnight following the posting of the week's WITA challenge on Facebook, Instagram and our website.
Eligibility restrictions: One entry per person. Employees of ADK Taste are not eligible to participate (including you, Dad). You must be 13 or older to participate and must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. ADK Taste is not responsible for incomplete, lost, stolen, illegible, misdirected or late entries.
Selection of the Winner: The winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries that contain a correct answer to the week's WITA challenge. We will notify the winner by email. Winners can then provide their mailing address to receive the WITA Challenge Prize..
Prize: The winner will receive the ADK Taste Adirondack Park Stainless Steel Tumbler. (Total estimated retail value $27.50)
Reservations; Ownership of Entries: All entries become the property of ADK Taste. Each contest entrant consents to the use of his or her name and WITA Challenge answers, or any portion thereof, in connection with the Challenge in any and all media and manner, now or hereafter known, in perpetuity without compensation. ADK Taste is not responsible for any damages or losses relating to the Challenge or acceptance/use of any prize.
