Dmitry’s Feast of the Peaks Returns to Lake Placid Saturday, Continuing a Cherished Community Tradition

Lake Placid, NY – The vibrant spirit of community and a passion for supporting local youth will once again fill the North Elba Show Grounds as Dmitry’s Feast of the Peaks and Music Festival returns for its second year. The highly anticipated event is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering a day filled with international flavors, live music, and family-friendly activities, all while serving as a crucial fundraiser for the Shipman Youth Center.

Honoring a Beloved Community Pillar

Dmitry’s Feast of the Peaks serves as a heartfelt tribute to Dmitry Feld, a respected community leader, former marketing manager for USA Luge, and a driving force behind many local initiatives, including the former I Love BBQ and Music Festival. Feld, who passed away in January 2024, was instrumental in organizing the popular barbecue festival for over 17 years, dedicating his efforts to raising vital funds for the Shipman Youth Center. His enduring legacy is now carried forward through this reimagined event, which continues his commitment to bringing people together through food and music. Mike Durham, festival organizer and president of the Shipman Youth Center board, emphasizes that the event retains Feld’s passion for enriching the lives of young people and fostering community connection.

A Culinary and Cultural Celebration

This year’s festival promises a delightful array of culinary experiences, moving beyond traditional barbecue to showcase the diverse international flavors offered by local Lake Placid restaurants. Attendees can anticipate sampling dishes from Greek, Polish, Peruvian, and Italian cuisines, among others, providing a true taste of the community’s rich cultural tapestry. Entrance to the food tasting is set at $20 per person, with proceeds directly benefiting the Shipman Youth Center. Organizers aim to create a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, encouraging attendees to enjoy the culinary offerings and contribute generously.

Music, Merriment, and Family Fun

Beyond the gastronomic delights, the festival will feature a robust musical lineup throughout the day, with various artists performing 45-minute sets. From Pat Duffy and Larry Stone to Sven Curth and All Without The Bass, the schedule promises a variety of musical styles to entertain the crowd. For younger attendees, a range of free activities will be available, including face painting, balloon animals, and inflatables, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the entire family. A grand raffle, featuring a $3,000 grand prize, will also be held, with tickets priced at $50, offering patrons a chance to win and further support the cause.

Supporting the Shipman Youth Center’s Mission

The Shipman Youth Center, a cornerstone of the Lake Placid community, has provided essential support and safe programming for children and youth aged 10 to 18 for decades. Inspired by the vision of Thomas Shipman, a former youth police officer, the center has historically relied on community support and fundraising events. The annual Dmitry’s Feast of the Peaks is its primary fundraiser, crucial for covering operating expenses and supporting its mission. This year, the center is also actively fundraising to purchase the land on which it is situated, aiming to secure its long-term future and expand its capacity for community engagement. The funds raised at this event will significantly contribute to both the center’s daily operations and its ambitious property acquisition goal.

The event continues the tradition established by Dmitry Feld, who not only co-organized the successful I Love BBQ and Music Festival but also dedicated himself to numerous charitable causes, including extensive humanitarian efforts for Ukraine. His commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is the guiding principle behind this year’s festival. This community event stands as a testament to his enduring spirit, bringing people together for a day of enjoyment while strengthening the vital resources available to Lake Placid’s youth.