Most of the roadside theme park attractions of 50 years ago are gone, in the Adirondacks and elsewhere. But one of the first — operated in the shadow of Whiteface Mountain since 1949 — remains, and is entering its busy season.

Santa's Workshop, the fantasy village designed by the late Arto Monaco that sits along Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway at North Pole, is still inviting children and parents for a behind-the-scenes look at Santa's Christmas preparations.

The village is open on weekends this fall. It will be open Saturdays, Sundays and on Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering a chance for young and old to meet fairytale and storybook characters, Santa's elves, live reindeer, and even Santa himself. For the next few weekends, there will be the chance to take in some colorful autumn scenery, too.

Santa's Workshop offers the Candy Cane Express train ride and kid-friendly rides and activities, unique specialty shops, and a wide range of live family friendly entertainment, including pageants, parades, and musical revues.

Santa's Workshop is just outside Wilmington in northern Essex County, about 12 miles east of Lake Placid following Route 86.

Lots of information is available at www.northpole.com.