Friday, February 5
First Friday 3rd Annual Chocolate Festival
Downtown Ballston Spa, Various locations, 6 – 9 p.m.
February’s First Friday features our 3rd annual Chocolate Fest, with tastings at “Sweet Spots” all around the village - 14 featured chocolate specialties in all. Pick up a ballot at any participating venue and vote for your favorites. Plus art exhibits, sales, good eating and kids’ activities at the BACC.
Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Saratoga Music Hall, 474 Broadway, third floor, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.
Join Alice as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game. Additional performances, Saturday, February 6 at 1 and 7 p.m. Ticket costs: age 10+ years – $10; kids under 10 years old free when accompanied by an adult. All tickets are sold at the door.
Fish Fry Fridays
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Menu: fried fish, fried clams, fried chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, or buffalo shrimp. Also clam chowder by the bowl or by the quart. Beverages: soda, water, coffee, beer. You are invited to eat in at our club house or to call ahead for take-out (518) 695-3917. Everyone will be welcome.
The Little Mermaid
Maple Ave. Middle School, Trombley Auditorium, 7 p.m.
The Maple Ave. Middle School Musical Club will be presenting their production of “The Little Mermaid”. Over 100 middle school students are part of the enchanting production. Additional performance dates and times include: Saturday, February 6 - 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $7 at the door.
Saturday, February 6
Defensive Driving Class
First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New York State approved. Save 10 percent on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35.00. Bring a friend and fee is $30.00 each. A portion of the fee goes to First Baptist Church. Registration required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.
Craft Fair
American Legion Post #278, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville,
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This craft fair is being organized by The Friends of Pack 4013, as a fundraiser for Cub Scout Pack 4013 of Schuylerville, NY. Cub Scout programs are funded fully on donations and fundraisers that the pack or friends of the pack organize. Please come and support this fundraising event. Concessions and silent auction available also.
Chowderfest 2016
Various location downtown Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Part of Winterfest, Chowderfest is the perfect activity for a cold winter’s day. Stroll through downtown Saratoga and purchase a $1 cup (3 oz. serving) of chowder from as many participating establishments as you’d like. Some restaurants will be offering classic varieities, while some may be serving original, unique concoctions. After you’ve enjoyed sample after sample of delicious, warm chowders, vote for your favorite. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, including People’s Choice, Best on Broadway, Best Newcomer, and Most Chowder Served. When you turn your completed ballot in at the Saratoga Springs Visitor’s Center or the Saratoga Hilton, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt for $10! ($12 for XXL). For a list of participants, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest.
Souper Supper
Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy bottomless bowls of soup, with bread, salad and dessert included. Tickets are $7 for adults, children age 5-10, $3 and under 5 free. Dine in only. Call (518) 695-6638 or (518) 695-3479 for reservations. Walk-ins welcome.
19th Annual Bartenders’ Ball Presents Fire and Ice
Saratoga Springs City Center, 6:30 p.m. – Midnight
Get ready for the Annual Bartenders’ Ball, one of the most exciting social events of the year, and a highlight of the winter social calendar in Saratoga County will be held on February 6 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Over the last 18 years the Ball has generated almost $500,000 for local charities; this year proceeds will support Wellspring, formerly Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis (DVRC). Dress to impress in a cool white, an ice blue, or a fiery red! The evening will feature dinner, gambling tables provided by the Lions Club of Saratoga, and dancing to the live music by the Audiostars. Cost is only $60 per person, tables of 10 encouraged. For tickets call (518) 583-2050.
Sunday, February 7
Breakfast Buffet
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $8, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $7, Children 5—12 $6, Under 5 Free, Take-outs $8. Call (518) 584-2585 for more information.
Dharma Meditation
One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, located in the Saratoga Health & Wellness Bldg. (across from Maple Ave. Middle School) 9 - 10:15 a.m.
This is a group meeting for meditation followed up by a short discussion. All contemplative traditions are honored. Visit www.oneroofsaratoga.com or call Pierre at (413) 992-7012.
Monday, February 8
Swing Dancing for Total Beginners
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 7 – 8 p.m.
Learn the basics of East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. Emily Vanston is a New York-based swing dance instructor and performer, specializing in Lindy Hop and other jazz-era forms. A warm, patient, and spirited teacher, Emily loves sharing the joy of movement with aspiring dancers of all levels. No partner needed. For other events at the library visit www.sspl.org.
Tuesday, February 9
Fat Tuesday Party
Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs, 5 – 8 p.m.
Menu is New Orleans cuisine. $15 per person. For reservations call (518) 584-8547.
Each Friday during Lent the K of C will hold a Fish Fry at their hall from 5-7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.
Wednesday, February 10
2016 Winter Storytellers Series
SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs, Noon – 1 p.m.
Christie Keegan: “Animal Stories.” The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the eighth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through March 2. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed. For more information, call the Academy at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2415, www.esc.edu/all.
Fish Dinner
Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge
# 161, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Menu: New England clam chowder, your choice of broiled or fried fish, oven roasted potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, vegetable, coleslaw, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Donation requested: $10 adults, $9 seniors (62 years), $9 military (active or retired w/ID card) $6 children age 5-12, children under 5 free, $10 for all take-out. Cash bar available. For more information call (518) 584-2585.
Poetry Readings by Alan Casline and Stephen Lewandowski
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, Sign ups 7 p.m.
The readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5.
For more information call (518) 583-0022, www.caffelena.org
Thursday, February11
Interfaith Prayer Meeting
Longfellows Courtyard, 500 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, 7:15 a.m.
The Meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30 a.m. Sign-in and continental breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. There are no charges or donations. All are welcome. For more information call (518) 450-1615.
Dinner Meeting Saratoga Torch Club
Wishing Well Restaurant, 745 Saratoga Rd. (Route 9), Wilton, 5:30 p.m.
The torch symbolizes knowledge, learning and enlightenment. The presentation will be: “Screen Scribe of Saratoga Springs: Charles Brackett and the Art of Scriptwriting in the Golden Age of Hollywood, 1939-1953” by John McGuire, PhD., JD, Historian, Educator, Lawyer. There will be a social time at 5:30 p.m., then at 6:00 p.m. the presentation, and at 7:00 p.m. the dinner. For reservations and further information about this event, and other monthly events, contact Saratoga Torch Club representative Leo A. Kellogg (518) 279-5401 or President Gerald P. Stulc (270) 584-4555.
