Lewis County’s Position on the 2025 SNIRT Run Cancelation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEWIS COUNTY’S POSITION ON THE 2025 SNIRT RUN CANCELLATION

LOWVILLE, NY– Lewis County is deeply saddened to learn today that the Board of Directors of the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals voted on February 19, 2025, to cancel the 2025 SNIRT Run, an event they have sponsored for the past 19 years.

We would like to address several points mentioned in the official statement from Barnes Corners Sno-Pals. It is important to clarify that there have been no new policies or changes to Lewis County regulations since last year’s event. The Department of Health requires a Mass Gathering Permit for all events being held with over 5,000 people in attendance. This type of event also requires insurance due to the liability of opening roads to allow access.

Jackie Mahoney, Director of Recreation, Forestry, and Parks, states “We have met with representatives of the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals multiple times to assist with this year’s event. We would love to see the event continue, but they must meet the Event Permit requirements to hold the event and help keep everyone safe.” The County has actively supported efforts to facilitate this event, assisting with the necessary paperwork for the Department of Health’s Mass Gathering Permit and providing resources through our Emergency Management team. Multiple county departments—including Highway, Parks, and Emergency Management—together with dedicated volunteer groups, have worked to help make this event a success in previous years.

The goal of the County has always been to support events that bring positive economic and recreational benefits to our community while ensuring public safety and compliance with all current established regulations. We remain open and stand ready to work with event organizers to find solutions that meet the requirements, and we hope to see the SNIRT Run continue in the future.