The History of the Great Sacandaga Lake Ring of Fire
As promised in last week’s Great Sacandaga Lake update, this week we’re taking a look at the history behind one of our lake’s most recognized traditions—the Great Sacandaga Ring of Fire.
In 2026, the Great Sacandaga Lake celebrates 38 years of the Ring of Fire tradition. Each Labor Day weekend, campfires begin glowing along the shoreline as families, friends and neighbors gather to mark the unofficial end of another summer on the lake.
But how did this Great Sacandaga tradition get started?
How the Great Sacandaga Ring of Fire Began
The Great Sacandaga Ring of Fire began in 1988 as a way to mark the unofficial end of the summer season.
The tradition was started by Agnes Gilbert and her family, who began passing out flyers and spreading the word throughout communities surrounding the lake. Their goal was simple: encourage every home, camp and beach along the Great Sacandaga Lake to build a campfire on the shoreline the night before Labor Day.
The idea was inspired by a similar tradition the family had experienced while visiting friends in New York’s Finger Lakes region over the Fourth of July weekend.
They brought the idea home to the Great Sacandaga Lake, and the tradition quickly caught on.
From a Few Campfires to a
Lake-Wide Tradition
What started with flyers and word of mouth grew into something much larger.
Each year, more property owners participated. Campfires appeared along beaches and shorelines throughout the Great Sacandaga Lake. As darkness fell, the individual fires created the appearance of a glowing ring around portions of the lake.
Over the years, the Ring of Fire became an unofficial closing ceremony for summer on the Great Sacandaga Lake.
For many families, it is now a tradition passed from one generation to the next.
More Than Just a Ring of Fire
Part of what makes this tradition special is that there isn’t one central location where everyone gathers.
Instead, people participate from their own homes, camps and beaches.
As evening approaches, families and friends gather around their fires. Across the water, more fires begin appearing until the shoreline starts to glow.
It’s one of those evenings when you can look across the Great Sacandaga Lake and realize that thousands of people in different communities are taking part in the same tradition.
Preparing for the 2026 Ring of Fire
In the weeks leading up to Labor Day, you’ll begin seeing large piles of wood stacked along the shoreline. Some are built into the familiar teepee shape, waiting for the Sunday evening before Labor Day.
For 2026, the Ring of Fire will take place on Sunday, September 6.
As always, anyone participating should keep safety in mind. Fires should be built and managed responsibly, and only materials permitted under New York State regulations should be burned. Boaters heading onto the lake after dark should also use extra caution and follow navigation and boating regulations.
38 Years of a Great Sacandaga Lake Tradition
From a family passing out flyers in 1988 to campfires stretching along miles of shoreline today, the Ring of Fire has become part of the history and character of the Great Sacandaga Lake.
It’s more than the unofficial end of summer.
It’s a night for neighbors, friends and families to gather around a fire, look out across the lake and celebrate another summer spent on the Great Sacandaga.
Campfires light the shoreline during the annual Great Sacandaga Ring of Fire, a Labor Day weekend tradition dating back to 1988.
How long has your family participated in the Great Sacandaga Ring of Fire? If you have an old photo or a favorite Ring of Fire memory, share it with us. We’d love to hear your story and help preserve the history of this Great Sacandaga Lake tradition.