The village’s chief of police and highway superintendent, as well as the village board and mayor, were made aware of Ironman’s desire to use the park four days ahead of the opening ceremony. The triathlon returns on Sunday.

The village board approved Ironman’s request — which included the use of the Lake Placid Beach House, and the reservation of five on-street parking spaces on Main Street — with a caveat: Next year, the group must give the board at least 30 days notice if it intends to use the park again. Mayor Art Devlin said he felt it was a little unprofessional for the request to come in so late.

Before voting, village board members expressed concern that they didn’t have the full details about the opening ceremony and how many people would be attending this year. Last year’s attendance was curbed by coronavirus pandemic protocols, so trustees thought attendance could be significantly higher this year.

Village Attorney Janet Bliss suggested that someone call Ironman’s organizers and have them attend the village board meeting, whether virtually or in person. Multiple board members — and the chief of police, Chuck Dobson — called Ironman organizers during the meeting. Trustee Andrew Quinn asked Ironman Race Director Greg Borzilleri to come to the board’s meeting in the North Elba Town Hall, and about five minutes later, he arrived to answer questions.

Borzilleri said that live music at the park will begin at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will start at 7 p.m. It’s usually done by 8:30 p.m.

Devlin asked if Ironman will have any precautions in place to prevent people from possibly falling into Mirror Lake. “We haven’t had anyone go in the water there, but we can keep a lookout,” Borzilleri said.

Ironman also requested the use of five on-street parking spots by Mid’s Park, which Borzilleri said would help them load a Jumbotron.

Trustee Marc Galvin, who co-owns The Bookstore Plus on Main Street, said he felt the five parking spots were a fair trade for how much business the opening ceremony brings to Main Street.

Trustee Katie Brennan asked about the noise level at the opening ceremonies.

Borzilleri said that the volume definitely won’t exceed that of other recent events, such as the Mix Master Mike performance at the end of the 2023 Winter World University Games.

“It’s no bigger than the biggest Songs at Mirror Lake,” Borzilleri said.