Fall Lake George is an annual event hosted by the RPI Outing Club. This event takes place on Turtle Island on Lake George, NY. Although hosted by RPI, it is open to anyone, as it is an Intercollegiate Outing Club Association event. Last year there were over 200 students from 20 different schools in attendance. Traditionally hosted early in the semester, this year’s event will be this coming weekend—September 24-26. Fall Lake George brings students from all over the northeast and the country together to enjoy the outdoors for a few days during their busy semester.
Since at least the 1930s, RPI has been hosting this event annually. At its peak in the ’60s, several hundred people showed up, and at times overflowed the mile long island. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities at Fall Lake George. On Friday night, many people canoe out to the island (powerboat rides are available too), and camp out. Saturday is when the best part of the event takes place. During the day there are all kinds of activities to participate in; everything from the relaxed canoeing trip, to cliff jumping, to hiking, to a triathlon. On Saturday night, after having a steak and chicken dinner, people get together for a square dance. Although square dancing is less popular now than it was when Fall Lake George started, it is still a great time, and enjoyed by all.
After a fun night of dancing with students from all of the other IOCA schools, everyone gets to camp out on the island for one more night before having to get up in the morning and canoe home from their relaxing weekend away from classes on Lake George. If you are interested in attending this year’s Fall Lake George, more information can be found at http://www.ioca.org/flg/ or by e-mailing hubeld@rpi.edu.
