Sylvia Summer 2026
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Spring Social
Sunday, June 28 - Town Pavilion, 4:00PM (bring finger food /hors d'oeuvres to share) -
Ferguson Memorial Fishing Derby
Friday/Saturday July 3-4 -
Hayden's Dock 10:00AM-3:00PM -
Boat Parade - Theme: Up, Up, & AWAY Saturday, July 18, 2:00PM
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Nori Grout Memorial Sailing Regatta
Saturday August 1, 2:00PM -
Paddlepalooza
Saturday August 15, 2:00PM -
Sylvia Lake Picnic & Annual Meeting
Saturday August 15, Fowler Town Pavilion 4:00PM (bring a dish to pass, SLA provides hots & burgers) -
Light Up the Lake ("grown-ups" boat parade - nighttime event) Saturday, September 5 - after sunset
Your dues provide funds for lake management projects, support for community social activities, this website, an online store, newsletter mailings, contests, and awards.
This is an all-volunteer organization.
Please donate $25.00 dues to support our community activities. Consider an additional donation?
Donate online -
or mail to:
26 Beachside Dr,
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Sylvia Lake History & Current Events
The website has documented Sylvia Lake stories and published info & photos about summer events since 2003.
And they are all in a searchable online database. Select a specific year and see the stories from that year... or use the search tool for an event or person. Browse past boat parades, fishing derbies and all the events that make Sylvia so special to so many. Two of the most recent "stories" are linked below.
Since 2003, the website has collected stories and documented summer events. "More Stories" is a collection of many of these stories, organized into years. Select a year to see the stories from that year.
Cold Water Safety
Cold water immersion is the cause of many water-related fatalities. The danger increases as water temperature falls below normal body temperature (98.6°F).
2026
Since 2003, the website has collected stories and documented summer events. "More Stories" is a collection of many of these stories, organized into years. Select a year to see the stories from that year.
Protect Our Loons
Spring is a critical time for loons as they migrate, establish territories, and nest, making it vital to keep a respectful distance of at least 200 feet.
2026
Find drop-off bins at the Town Highway building. Call the Town Offices for more information.
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Playground & Facilities
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The Town's SOS Food Program (Support Our Seniors)
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The Town's HAP Food Program
Recycle with the Town of Fowler and Support:
Saturday
July 18, 2026
9:00 - 3:00
87 Little York Road
Gouverneur, NY 13642
Join the Fun at the Fowler Town Hall, Whalen Pavilion, & Playground
JULY 18, 2026 - 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
There will be vendors, music, games, food, and entertainment for the kids! Raffle tables full of items (all donated) will add to everyone's chances of winning. Last year, the small raffles offered nearly 100 prizes.
This year's celebration is dedicated to Highway Superintendent Randy Durham, who passed away this year.
The Gouverneur Country Club would like to remind Sylvia Lakers that they offer "Seasonal Memberships" for families and individuals. They are open to the public for lunch. Stay tuned for menu posting.
Learn more on their website: www.gouverneurcountryclub.com
SYLVIA LAKE – Sad to report, Maria Frances McGrath, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on June 1, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, and was a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sylvia Lake, Gouverneur, NY.
Maria was a devoted wife to her husband, David Arthur McGrath, and a loving mother to her children. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, strength, and caring spirit. She touched the lives of all who knew her and left behind a legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to family. Read Maria's obituary
Maria McGrath
Formerly of Mansion Grounds Rd.
Click to view
Since January 1, 2025, a boater safety certificate will be required of all operators, regardless of age. Get your safe boater certificate online:
https://www.boated.com/newyork/
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New York Law: Everyone must complete a boating course and obtain a license before operating a motorized boat or Personal Water Craft/PWC jet ski.
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Boats or PWC (Personal Water Craft, aka jet skis) may not operate within 500’ of marked swim areas except to dock or launch at 10 mph.
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Jet Skis may not be operated between sunset and sunrise or in times of restricted visibility. Jumping wakes, splashing others, or interfering with traffic is dangerous and illegal.
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A motorized boat or PWC (Personal Water Craft), such as a jet ski, must carry one life-saving device per passenger and have a valid license. When pulling skiers or tubers, all watercraft must carry a spotter in addition to the driver.
New York Septic System Replacement Fund
The State of New York still has allocated money to replace deficient septic tanks on specific bodies of water in the County of Saint Lawrence.
If you own a house within 250 feet of Cranberry Lake, Star Lake, Sylvia Lake, or almost any river in the Adirondacks and your septic tank is too small, breaking down, or otherwise deficient, you may be eligible for funds through the New York Septic System Replacement Fund.
View/download the letter from Bradley Johnson, St. Lawrence County Public Health Sanitarian.
If you believe you are eligible, please call or email Bradley Johnson, and his office will send you the appropriate paperwork. Their goal is to protect the waterways of Saint Lawrence County.
TESTIMONIAL FROM RALPH UNDERCOFFLER:
St. Lawrence County still has grant money available for residents of Sylvia Lake to upgrade their septic systems (information is posted above.) Grants can be as much as $10,000. Our family applied for the grant last summer to replace the septic system at our camp on the North Shore Road and we received approval within 3 days. The process is easy and the benefit is great! Please consider taking advantage of this rare opportunity to help keep Sylvia Lake cleaner and safer for generations to come. 5/22/25
