Despite heavy downpours 1000 people attended the inaugural event. Attendance has ranged from 1000 to 5000 and the venue has changed each year. A local work group of volunteers, and representatives of citizen groups and government organizations provide leadership for every Adirondack Waterfest. Included have been four soil and water conservation districts, four county water quality coordinating committees, four Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations, NYS DEC, municipalities, Trout Unlimited, regional and county planning boards, and local chambers of commerce and civic groups. The purpose remains the same and the format is very similar to that of the original Adirondack Waterfest.
Entertainment is provided through music, storytelling, and games.
Demonstrations on flyfishing, water safety, and aquatic ecology are scheduled. Forty-five public and private exhibitors are typically distributed throughout the grounds to inform the public about water resource issues and water quality initiatives. The Council has taken primary responsibility for securing funding and developing a promotional package for the event. One of the major funding sources has been County Water Quality Coordinating Committee Grants provided by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. These are competitive grants judged by a 9-person panel made up of members from the New York State Nonpoint Source Steering Committee.