Shovel used in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics, measuring approximately 36″ long and 9″ wide, with an Olympic rings decal on the blade and a label reading, "Official Groundbreaking Ceremonies, 1980 Winter Olympics, April 21, 1977, Lake Placid, New York." Accompanied by a photo from the event showing several officials with this type of commemorative shovel. Construction for the Lake Placid Olympic Ice Center commenced on April 21, 1977, with official groundbreaking ceremonies hosted by ABC's Jim McKay. Three years later, this would be the site of the iconic 'Miracle on Ice.'
