This year’s Skate America will take place 11/12-15 at the 1980 Rink Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid. This marks the 30th anniversary of the event as well as the sixth time the state of New York has hosted the event and the fourth time it’s been held in Lake Placid (1979, 1981-82).

Skate America will welcome 18 top U.S. athletes in addition to its international field. The Americans competing in Lake Placid include current World champion and two-time national champion Evan Lysacek and the five-time U.S. Championship ice dancing team of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, also the 2009 World silver medalists and 2006 Olympic silver medalists. This year’s Skate America marks the return of 2006 U.S. Champion, 2006 Olympic silver medalist, and 2006 World bronze medalist Sasha Cohen to competitive skating.

The international field is led by World champion Yu-Na Kim of Korea. Kim is the 2008 Skate America ladies gold medalist and 2008 Grand Prix Final champion. Kim will be joined by six-time French ice dancing champions and 2008 World ice dancing champions Isabelle Delobel and Olivier Schoenfelder.

Tickets to Skate America are on sale now at the Olympic Center Box Office in person or by phone at (518) 523-3330. Tickets may also be purchased online through www.tickets.com. For a complete schedule of events, ticket prices and more information, please log on to www.skateamerica2009.com

Across the country, Turkey Trots are just as much a part of Thanksgiving as the meal itself. You’re invited to Buffalo, Nov. 26 to watch as more than 8,000 runners of all ages and levels, along with 2,000 spectators and volunteers, take part in one of Western New York’s most treasured events, the 114th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. Taking place at 9 a.m., this 8K foot race is a Thanksgiving celebration like no other!

Established in 1896, Buffalo’s Turkey Trot is the oldest continually running footrace in North America, even older than the Boston Marathon. Immediately following the race, be sure to join the celebration and awards ceremony.