LOCALadk Magazine

The 3P combines skimo, cycling, paddling, and running in a sampling of Saranac Lake's frontcountr y recreational opportunities. LOCALadk 18 dream. Following the 2025 3P race, and all the attention Pipe Dream garnered, Race Director McKim approached Cain to see if she would be interested in painting a pair of white downhill Icelantic Skis that were donated to the race by the ski company. McKim saw them as a kind of blank canvas, similar to Sausville's Pipe Dream before Cain brought the vessel to spiritual life. McKim was de- lighted when the artist took on the ski challenge. Cain was given full artistic freedom and decided with McKim that the skis should reflect the race itself. "I wanted to represent all three legs of the 3P, so I created a design that included snowy mountains with a skier, a forest path layered with trees and a biker, and a flowing river with a paddler," she said. "Events like the 3P Race are so important to Saranac Lake. They cele- brate all seasons, all modes of recreation this area has to offer, and the incredible sense of community here." The skis were featured in a front page story in the Ad- irondack Daily Enterprise last fall and suddenly requests started pouring in from outdoorsy folks in the region who wanted some shine for their own skis. "I've had people reach out asking if I'd paint their skis, though I've had to be honest about durabilit. While my murals are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, skis face a different level of wear and tear," she said. The skis with Cain's handiwork are being auctioned off in a fundraising raffle. The lucky winner will be an- nounced at this year's race, on March 7. From its incep- tion, the Saranac Lake 3P was intended to give back to the community that provides all of the outdoor activi- ties the race celebrates. In its first four years, the Sara- nac Lake 3P and its participants have raised more than $37,000 for local youth organizations. This year, the 3P is raising funds for the Saranac Lake Youth Center — another place where art flourishes under director Britt Sternberg. The community-focused aspect of the Pole, Pedal, Paddle race was easy for Cain to embrace. A native of Bolton Landing, she has always been an Adirondack gal. She and her now-husband, Luke Cain, decided that Saranac Lake was the spot they wanted to plant long- term roots a few summers ago, when she worked as a diver removing invasive water milfoil in Upper Saranac Lake. The couple purchased some land on the edge of town and intend to build their dream home. The land backs up to state land and there are miles of trails that ex- tend from what someday will be their front door. So far, they have cleared a path for a driveway — but that was enough to allow them to have an intimate out- door wedding. The elopement ceremony took place in a quintessentially Adirondack pine forest on the exact spot where their home will soon rise. "It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to turn our property into a home, not only for us, but also for na- tive plants and wildlife, especially birds," she said. Their wedding day ended with a campfire, which is one of the most Adirondacky things ever. Cain said she "absolutely adores" the vibrant arts scene in Saranac Lake, from the summer art walks downtown to the live music in Riverside Park and at the Waterhole. "The murals throughout town are beautiful, and I believe the more art we integrate into our streets and public spaces, the better," Cain said. "Art is good for the soul, good for the local economy, and it brings peo- ple together. Life is simply richer with more art and mu- sic, especially in a place already surrounded by so much natural beauty." To learn more about the Saranac Lake 3P go to https:// saranaclake3p.org/ To learn more about Acrylic Earth Art go to https://acryl- icearth.com/

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