Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Diane K. Bradley

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Diane K. Bradley passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Saratoga Springs, Diane was the daughter of Vincent Bradley and Catherine (Moseman) Bradley. She was a proud graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and St. Mary’s Nursing School, where she began her lifelong calling to care for others. For 45 years, Diane served as a dedicated critical care nurse at Albany Memorial Hospital, where her compassion and skill touched countless lives.

She cherished time spent at the ocean and especially loved visits to Cape Cod. Above all, she treasured the love and companionship of her foster daughter, Tara Mosely, who brought joy to her life.

She is survived by her brothers, Robert Bradley, Richard Bradley (Sandi), and William Bradley (Linda); along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her deeply.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Vincent and Catherine Bradley; her brother, John Bradley; and her longtime partner, Delores Kniskern.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice and the Saratoga Hospital nursing staff for the compassion and care they provided to Diane in her final days.  Also, to Home of the Good Shepherd memory unit for their years of caring love and compassion that they gave to Diane.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. 

Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

High School Scores & Highlights: Saratoga Running Back Leads New York State

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

BLUE STREAKS SHATTER SHAKER, CORYEA ASTONISHES

The Saratoga Springs varsity football team snapped a long losing streak to Shaker with a 28-21 victory last Friday night. For the Blue Streaks, who are now 3-1 on the season, quarterback Bobby Morris completed 7 of 11 passes for 56 yards while senior running back Benjamin Coryea rushed for an astounding 334 yards on 41 carries, reaching the endzone 4 times. In just four games this season, Coryea has accumulated 822 rushing yards on 99 carries for an average of 8.3 yards per carry. He’s scored a touchdown at least once in every game, including three times against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Sept. 12. According to stats compiled on MaxPreps, Coryea currently has more total rushing yards than any other high school football player in New York State, averaging 205.5 per game. The second-highest yardage total is 687, far behind Coryea.

The Blue Streaks next face Colonie Central on Friday night.

STATE CHAMP SCHUYLERVILLE UNDEFEATED THROUGH FOUR

The Schuylerville varsity football team, reigning Class C state champions, continued their unbeaten streak last Friday with a 41 to 16 win against Granville/Whitehall. The Horses dominated early, leading 27 to 0 at halftime. Granville scored all 16 of its points in the third quarter, but Schuylerville nailed the coffin shut with 14 additional points in the second half. For the Black Horses, sophomore Ernie DaCosta rushed for 116 yards on 10 carries, scoring 2 touchdowns. DaCosta also led the team in receptions, nabbing the ball twice for 50 receiving yards and another touchdown. Senior quarterback Ben VanVegthen had 50 passing yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception while also contributing 48 rushing yards and a rushing TD of his own. Junior Max Montgomery also chipped in 68 rushing yards and found the endzone.

The undefeated 4-0 Horses next face Hoosick Falls/Tamarac on Friday night.

SARATOGA FIELD HOCKEY WINS 4 STRAIGHT

The Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team won four games in a row to close out September, including two dominant 8-0 shutout victories against Shaker and Columbia.

Against Shaker on Sept. 29, standout Mia Khazin had 3 goals for the Blue Streaks; Andi Shiffer added 3 goals and 1 assist; and Madison Finn and Roisin Finnegan added another goal each. Overall, Saratoga took 23 shots while Shaker had none.

Against Columbia on Sept. 26, Finn earned 3 goals and 1 assist; Khazin had 2 goals and 1 assist; and Catie Firehock, Andi Shiffer, and Finnegan each contributed 1 goal apiece. Alexis Georgeadis also earned 4 saves. 

The field hockey team is now 9-2 on the season heading into an Oct. 3 contest at Niskayuna.

SPA CATHOLIC VOLLEYBALL SQUAD VICTORIOUS

The Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball team improved to 9-4-1 on the season after beating Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons 3-1. For the Saints, Emery Moser had 8 aces, 9 kills, and 19 assists; Brooke Nucera earned 15 assists and 2 aces; and Gia Roche had 11 kills and 6 aces.

BLACK HORSES SHUT OUT SCOTIA, BEAT BROADALBIN

Colden Harrison recorded a hat trick to lead the Schuylerville boys soccer team to a 3-0 win. Dean Barraclough and Thomas Tyler each contributed an assist, and Ethan Spodnick earned a save for the Black Horses, who are now 4-4-2 overall and 4-0 in their league.

Prior to the shutout, Schuylerville defeated Broadalbin-Perth on Sept. 24, 4 to 1. After a scoreless first half, the Horses scored 4 goals in seven minutes to begin the second half and cruised to victory. Thomas Tyler tallied 2 goals and an assist, while Colden Harrison had one goal and an assist. Dean Barraclough also had a goal. Schuylerville and Broadalbin battled through torrential rain throughout the match.

SAINTS SOCCER WIN AGAIN

On Sept. 22, the Saratoga Central Catholic girls soccer team trounced Watervliet 7 to 1 at Gavin Park. For the Saints, co-captain Addison Quail earned 4 goals to lead the way, while Alison Fuller found the net twice, and Sophia Ryan chipped in a goal as well. Spa Catholic followed up the W with another victory (2-0 against Gloversville on Sept. 26) and a loss (3-0 to Corinth). The team’s season record stood at 4-6-1 heading into an Oct. 2 showdown with Whitehall.

Skidmore Sports Roundup

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Freshman Ginevra Muratori became Skidmore’s first ITA Regional Singles Champ since 2018. Photo via Skidmore Athletics.

FRESHMAN TENNIS PLAYER CAPTURES SINGLES TITLE

The Skidmore College women’s tennis team capped a successful hosting of the 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Northeast Regional Championships with a stellar final day, highlighted by freshman Ginevra Muratori capturing the Singles title before teaming with fellow freshman Amelie Gonzalez for a runner-up finish in doubles play. 

Muratori began her day by cruising past RPI’s Kaaviya Kannan in the semifinals round, conceding just one game to win 6-1, 6-0 and advancing onto the title match. In the championship match, Muratori fended off NYU’s Victoria Wang with a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 victory to be crowned as Skidmore’s first singles champion since Risa Fukushige won in 2018 alongside punching her ticket onto next month’s ITA Cup tournament. More notably, Muratori’s championship run saw the freshman face and defeat high-seeded opponents through nearly every round of play.

In doubles play, Muratori/Gonzalez took down Kast/Bondarenko of NYU with a decisive 8-5 victory in the semifinals to advance onto the championship match, guaranteeing a spot in next month’s ITA Cup tournament. Facing RPI’s Jaiswal/Ridenour in the championship match, the Thoroughbred duo jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead but couldn’t fend off an unrelenting Engineers comeback to fall 3-8.

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM VICTORIOUS 

The Skidmore College women’s soccer team continued its strong start to Liberty League play with a tightly-contested 2–1 road victory over St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoon. Following a scoreless first half, the Thoroughbreds (4-2-2, 2-0 Liberty League) came alive offensively coming out of halftime, fueled by a goal and assist from junior Hazel Aiello and a team-leading fifth goal from fellow junior Abby Lewis. Skidmore outshot the Saints (4-3-2, 0-1 Liberty League) 11-to-8 with 5-to-1 edge corner kicks in the second half to close out the win.

MEN’S SOCCER SQUAD SHUTS OUT ST. LAWRENCE

Senior Connor Mansfield and sophomore Dylan Moore scored in quick succession to lift the Skidmore College men’s soccer team to a 2-0 shutout win over St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoon at Wachenheim Field. Picking up the first conference win of the season, the Thoroughbreds (4-1-3, 1-0-1 Liberty League) scored twice within a 90-second stretch early in the first half and made enough plays defensively the rest of the game to defeat the Saints (2-6, 0-2 Liberty League) for the first time since 2016.

VOLLEYBALL TEAM SWEEPS RIT

The Skidmore College volleyball team rolled to a sweep (25-18, 25-18, 25-13) on the road at RIT on Saturday afternoon. The victory gives Skidmore a weekend split to open Liberty League play. The Thoroughbreds are 7-7 overall. Maya Stolarz led all players with 13 kills on 29 swings and a .379 attack percentage. Natalie Pedersen finished with six kills without an error on 12 attacks for an even .500 percentage. Marlowe McIntyre had a team-high 15 digs to go along with a pair of aces. Overall, Skidmore hit .230 as a team while limiting RIT to .019 with percentages at zero or below in two out of the three sets. Up next, Skidmore will host Union next Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. in a Liberty League showdown.

Main Street Studio Hosting Japanese Craft & Art Exhibition

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Hand-painted wood-turned Kokeshi by artists Lisa and Jacob Hodsdon. Image provided by Main Street Studio.

CHARLTON — The Main Street Studio in Charlton will be hosting an exhibition and sale of work by regional artists and makers who are dedicated to practicing and preserving a variety of traditional Japanese craft and artistic styles.

Nature, spirituality, and precision craftsmanship are themes connecting the works selected for the exhibit across many different types of materials and techniques–ceramics, wood joinery and carving, paper, fabric dyeing and folding, watercolors, gardening and even ceremonial tea practices.

The exhibit, “From Far East,” will be on display from Oct. 2 through Nov. 16 with regular gallery hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The opening reception is on Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature craft demonstrations, matcha tea samples, and light refreshments. Both the gallery exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public. 

In addition to the exhibit, throughout the month there will be free demonstrations and hands-on workshops. 

• Rie Maywar, Japan-certified tea practitioner, will be giving a free artist talk about the tools and traditions of the Japanese Tea Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2. 

• Renee Johnson will host both a free introduction and a 4-week-long deep dive into the Japanese mending technique called “Sashiko,” as well as several other workshops relating to indigo dyeing and fabric folding. 

• Johnny Tromboukis will be teaching a two-day Japanese lantern workshop during which students will learn traditional Kumiko joinery techniques while making a lantern for their home.

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit www.mainstreetcharlton.com.

Ukrainian Music Coming to Bolton Landing

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Poster provided by The Sembrich.

BOLTON LANDING — The Sembrich will present a special evening celebrating the tradition of Ukrainian art song on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The program will feature art songs and arias by composers such as Mykola Lysenko, Kyrylo Stetsenko, and Stefania Turkewich, along with other rarely heard gems of the repertoire.

Artists from across the Capital Region will perform, including baritone Caleb Eick and sopranos Irina Petrik and Vedrana Kalas.

“We are proud to showcase the profound artistry of Ukraine’s classical art song traditions,” said Richard Wargo, artistic director of The Sembrich. “This concert not only honors the extraordinary contributions of Ukrainian composers but also underscores the enduring importance of cultural expression in times of challenge.”

Tickets are available at TheSembrich.org or by calling (518) 644-2431.

Manhattan Short Film Fest Coming to Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

CLIFTON PARK — On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will screen films from the 28th Annual Manhattan Short Festival.

Doors for the screening will open at 1:45 pm. The total runtime is 2 hrs. 34 mins., including an 8-minute intermission. Teens and adults are invited to attend.

Attendees can cast their votes for Best Film and Best Actor. Ballots will be supplied upon entry. Final results will be announced by the end of the following week.

A Guide to October Mischief

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

festivals, corn mazes, spooky tours and more

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $22 adults, $10 kids under 12. HauntedSaratogaTours.com

Trunk or Treat

Saratoga Regional YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 3 p.m. Get dressed up in your Halloween best and come enjoy some family fun at our 7th Annual Trunk or Treat family event. Members of the community, businesses, YMCA staff along with local police and fire will decorate their cars for a safe and accessible trick or treat experience for everyone. Free & open to the public! Decorate your trunk and bring candy to share with all our families who’ll be trunk or treating (families decorating their trunk are asked to provide their own candy).

Trunk or Treat

Join us on Friday, October 24, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Clifton Common for a hauntingly fun time! Dress up in your favorite costume and spirit your way from trunk to trunk! Free community event.

Simpson UMC’s Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration

Simpson United Methodist Church, located at 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, is having a Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.  We’d love to fill the parking lot with as many participating vehicles as possible.  All you need to do is decorate your vehicle and be ready to hand out candy to all the ghouls, ghosts, goblins and fairy princesses who come Trick-or-Treating.  Hope to see you on 10/25 (costumes optional)!  

ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE 

The Fraternal Order of Eagles presents the 20th Annual Haunted House on Friday, October 24, 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 25 from 5 p.m. at 80 Main St., South Glens Falls.  Walk through maze, bonfire and seating, movie and snacks, live band on Saturday and much more. 

STILLWATER FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 25, Noon – 4 p.m. Organized by the Stillwater Public Library. Various locations in the village of Stillwater. Free family event with games, activities, trick (and truck) or treat, haunted fire house, and dance party at 3 p.m. So much going on – don’t miss it! 

HOLLOWED HARVEST

Hollowed Harvest returns for its 5th season—bigger, bolder, and with more ways to experience the magic of Salem than ever! One ticket now unlocks two epic attractions: the Wicked Labyrinth, a twisting walkthrough packed with dazzling Jack-O’-Lanterns, animated spirits, and eerie surprises, and the all-new Madam Flim-Flam’s Psychic Emporium, where haunted theatrics and glowing gourds blur the line between this world and the next. Plus, don’t miss hands-on pumpkin carving and the debut of the Salem Haunts Walking Tour! Show dates, times and ticket information are available at HollowedHarvest.com

HAUNTED CORN MAZE

The Haunted Corn Maze at Schuyler Farms is Back! Dare to enter the Schuyler Farms Haunted Corn Maze, where your worst nightmares lurk around every corner. As the sun sets over the fields, the maze transforms into a twisted trail of terror filled with horrifying surprises, creepy creatures, and spine-chilling screams. Friday & Saturday Nights in October with live actors, special effects, and all-new scares for 2025!  Food, drinks & fun await before and after the fright! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just love a good scare, the Haunted Maze at Schuyler Farms is the must-visit Halloween event in the Capital Region. But beware… once you enter, there’s no turning back. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. 

Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

FIELD OF HORRORS

Located at 100 Farrell Rd., Troy, Field of Horrors offers several different attractions for the price of one! Join us for the most heart-pounding Horror experience yet—where brave souls face their fears! New attractions will keep you on the edge of your seat while our classic horror favorites are sure to bring back memories from deep within your childhood nightmares! For more information and to buy tickets, visit fieldofhorrors.com.

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. October 3-4, 10-12, 17-19, 23-26, and October 30 – November 1. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tour

2 starting points: The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway or The Saratoga Springs History Museum, Congress Park | 7 – 8:30 p.m. This 90-minute tour blends history, folklore, and the paranormal for an unforgettable fall evening. Guests will ride the trolley through Saratoga’s most storied streets, hearing ghostly accounts documented by renowned ghost hunter David Pitkin and other investigators. The night culminates with a walk through the Canfield Casino, widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the region. From cold spots and eerie footsteps to unexplained figures, countless visitors have reported chilling encounters in its historic halls. Additional tours October 9, 16 and 23. Tickets: $35 – Advance reservations required. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.saratogahistory.org/ghosts-of-saratoga-trolley-tour. 

Greenfield Fall Festival 

October 25 at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners. The free event includes an Oktoberfest 5K Fundraiser to help support Brookhaven Winter Park, at 10 a.m. (register at skireg.com)  followed by a full afternoon including trick or treating, Giant Pumpkin Contest and more. The afternoon festivities are from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 518-893-7432, ext. 307 to reserve a cart and participate in the fun. No registration is necessary to attend the free event.

Greenridge Cemetery Tours

Murder, Madness and Mayhem. Walk with us through Saratoga’s Greenridge Cemetery and hear the stories of untimely deaths by suicide, murder or accident. A young mother killed by her husband, a solider dies by friendly fire, and a prominent politician who shoots himself in the head

are but a few stories of the graves we will visit. Every Saturday in October 4 p.m. Visit hauntedsaratogatours.com to sign up.

Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino

Prepare yourself for a night of spine-tingling chills and ghostly encounters at the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s Halloween Ghost Tours! For one night only—October 30th—the doors of the legendary Canfield Casino creak open to reveal the mysteries that lurk within… if you dare. Enter If You’re Brave Enough…This isn’t just any historic building—it’s one of the most haunted places in America. As you wander the Casino’s shadowy halls, you’ll hear bone-chilling stories of the spirits who still roam within—tales that will leave you questioning what’s real and what lies beyond. Perfect for thrill-seekers, history lovers, and anyone who dares to meet the Casino’s haunted past. A Halloween Eve experience you’ll never forget. Thursday, October 30, 5 – 7 p.m. (tours depart every 20 minutes). For tickets, visit www.sratogahistory.org/events. 

FRIGHT FEST

Terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, and specialty food & drink. Scare zones, live shows, and most rides included with park admission; Food, drink, haunted mazes and merchandise require separate purchase. For days, times, details and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest.

Boo Fest by Day

Fall festival with family-friendly activities, Trick-or-Treat Trail, and world-class family rides. Live shows, most activities, and most rides included with park admission; Food, drink, and merchandise require separate purchase. For details, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest.

3rd Annual Masquerave

October 25. Dancers, get ready for a night where mystery meets music! Step into the enchanting world of Universal Preservation Hall, transformed for one unforgettable Halloween-inspired masquerade. This is a night to lose yourself in rhythm, lights, and electrifying beats. Headlining the evening is AK SPORTS, the internationally renowned techno artist celebrated for their genre-defying productions and dynamic, high-energy live sets Supporting the headliner, our phenomenal lineup features DJ Prophet, The Front Room, and Ronnie Rave, delivering a seamless mix of house, techno, and those sick rave vibes that will keep the dance floor alive all night. This event is 21+ with valid ID. Thanks to Harding & Mazzotti, Dancers can enjoy a Free Rideshare Home via Uber, ensuring a safe and worry-free night. We encourage Dancers to embrace the masquerade spirit with Masquerade-style masks or Halloween costumes—let your creativity shine! For details and tickets, visit https://www.allofus.events/event-details-registration/the-3rd-annual-masquerave.

October 3 – October 9 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, October 3

Writing the Land: Harvest Moon Reflections

Pitney Meadow Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m. This is the last workshop in the series led by renowned Abenaki poet, storyteller, musician, and Saratoga Springs’ Poet Laureate, Joseph Bruchac. Celebrate a season of growth and storytelling with poems rooted in gratitude and abundance. Through poetry, reflection, and storytelling, Writing the Land offers a journey grounded in Indigenous wisdom, literary tradition, and community connection. Space is limited — reserve your spot today through the Pitney Meadows Event Calendar.

Saturday, October 4

Dan’s Derby and Walk

Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Rd., Saratoga Springs | 8 a.m. Registration, Event 9 a.m. – Noon. Formally known as the Dan Provost Memorial Walk. Please join us for a unique, family friendly community event. Here’s your chance to build the car of your dreams and race it down our official derby track. Join in for a 1.25-mile memorial walk in remembrance of those lives we’ve lost to a substance use disorder. Other activities will include food, games, silent auction, and community resource fair. All funds raised will benefit the Prevention Council of Saratoga County, including Healing Springs Recovery Center. For more information call 518-306-3048 or visit www.preventioncouncil.org/dans-derby/

Autumn Festival

Wiswall Park, Front St., Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This family-friendly celebration promises fun for all ages. Festivalgoers can enjoy live music from local favorite Joe and the Dogs, a variety of local food vendors serving seasonal specialties; cozy espresso bar to keep spirits warm and energized; Interactive activities for kids and families; a festive scavenger hunt; and a fun photo booth to capture memories with friends and family.

Paint Collection Day

Saratoga Springs High School, 1 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  (entry from West Ave. only). Sustainable Saratoga in partnership with GreenSheen will hold our 4th annual Paint Collection Day. This very popular community event will be held once for free with donations to Sustainable Saratoga greatly appreciated. To register: https://circular.eco/event/SS10425. For specific details visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org. 

Kite & Flight Family Festival

Saratoga Independent School, 459 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This festival celebrates imagination, movement, community and the magic of flight — and best of all, admission is completely free. The festival promises something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy hands-on craft tables led by Saratoga Independent School teachers, try their hand at kite flying, bounce around in a bounce house, explore a larger-than-life balloon globe, and get creative with face painting and other engaging activities. Local flavors will be on full display with food available for purchase from a variety of popular vendors. For more information on Saratoga Independent School’s commitment to exceptional education and student development, please contact Betsy Boland at bboland@siskids.org.

Annual Fall Festival

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  There will be many artisans, baked goods for sale, also soup, chowder and chili.  Everyone will enjoy the live music, as well!

Showcase of Homes

Various locations | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 4-5 and October 11-12. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 12 locations in Saratoga County on display. Participating builders in this year’s event; Abele Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies, Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Urvalek Builders and Witt Construction. It’s an incredible line-up of 13 homes from 11 award-winning builders. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or can be purchased online at the website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/tickets/.

Blessing of the Animals Service

St Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Hwy 9, Malta | 11 a.m.  A Blessing of the Animals service in honor of the patron saint of animals, St Francis. Certificates for animals blessed, and free nail-trimming services will be provided. All are welcome. The church is located across from the Malta Drive-In.

6th Annual Malta Cultural Arts Festival 2025

Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta | 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Celebrating artistic and cultural expression by bringing together professional artists whose work reflects a wide range of traditions, disciplines, and perspectives. This free, one-day event held indoors and out invites the community to experience performances, workshops, and drop-in activities to showcase the many ways creativity connects us. Go to www.maltaparksrec.com for the complete schedule for the day or call Malta Parks and Recreation at 518-899-4411 for additional information.

Caffè Lena @ SPAC

SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage | Noon – 5:30 p.m. A free day-long concert. The festival will feature five bands that explore roots, global, bluegrass, pop, and indie-folk music including Misty Blues, Tom Chapin, Chatham County Line, Farah Siraj, and Aleksi Campagne. The festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine. Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details. 

‘Elktoberfest’ Fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy

Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | Noon – 6 p.m. There will be beverage tastings, authentic German food, music, and games for a great cause!!! A U.S. Steinholding Association (USSA) qualifying event will be held. The winners qualify to compete for a spot in the state championship tournament. Come for lunch & dinner! Net proceeds will benefit the Home Service Program of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and Elks National Foundation. Tickets are $25 for 12 tastings, $20 for Elk members (cash only). Proof of age is required. For information contact us at Elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org or call 518-877-5200.

The Pumpkin Picker

Corinth Station, 9 Railroad Place, Corinth | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway is hosting The Pumpkin Picker, a 1.5-hour fall train ride to a secret pumpkin patch.  Each child can pick one pumpkin and decorate it on the way back.  Apple cider and snacks will be available at Kings Station as well as games!  Train departs from Corinth Station at 1:30 p.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m. Tickets start at $20 each. Free parking at Corinth Train Station. Visit: corinthtrain.com. 

28th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Finalists hail from seven countries with films from Spain, Israel, United Kingdom, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Mexico, alongside three films from the USARuntime for each screening is approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes and includes an intermission. MANHATTAN SHORT 2025 will screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by MANHATTAN SHORT, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified. The Library can be reached by phone at 518-371-8622 and online at www.cphlibrary.org. 

Sunday, October 5

Autumn Stroll – Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square

Meet at northwest corner of Division Street and Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Join Carrie Woerner, NYS Assemblywoman and former Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Executive Director, on our “Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square” Sunday Stroll. This stroll will focus on the rich history of Franklin Square- one of Saratoga Springs’ most picturesque neighborhoods. The impressive preservation of Franklin Square provides visitors with a look into the past through the intricate architecture of its many unique buildings. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to thirty and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org. 

Monday, October 6

Galway Preservation Society Monthly Meeting 

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Jon Jasewicz, a local historian focused on the colonial period in New York’s Capital Region and the Mohawk Valley will be our featured speaker.  Jasewicz will perform as General Phillip Schuyler (1733-1804) in a first-person portrayal of the Revolutionary War General providing an account of the Revolution through the eyes of General Schuyler.  Schuyler played a key role in the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, as well as earlier campaigns. Open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  

Tuesday, October 7

Trivia Night 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m. Back by popular demand! Join us for fun, prizes, and great snacks: pizza, wings, and dessert. Come with a team or join one when you get here. Be ready for anything!  For teens and adults. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Wednesday, October 8

Tree ID / Fall Foliage Walk

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Enjoy a staff-guided tour of the historic site grounds, where different tree species will be identified and discussed amid the beautiful colors of fall. Over 20 species of trees will be identified, and participants are encouraged to fill out the tree ID scavenger hunt forms for a free souvenir.

Ham Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: Baked ham, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only). 

Green Drinks

Whitman Brewing Company, 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Virtual Author Visit with Mary Roach 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m.  A Virtual Author Visit with Mary Roach, author of Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law.  Join us for a live screening of the Q & A session, followed at 7 p.m. by a discussion of the book.  Teens and adults are welcome to attend.  Copies of the book are available to read before the event.  This program is being held courtesy of NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.  Registration is appreciated at 518-882-6385.

Thursday, October 9

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture – 75 Years: The History of the Saratoga Springs Public Library

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Let’s Celebrate 75 Years! Michelle Isopo, Archivist and History Librarian of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will share the story of the library’s 75-year history. From the opening of the first free library in 1950 to the current three-story library in the heart of Saratoga Springs, she will highlight changes, staffing updates, and programming adaptations made to meet the needs of the community.  Cake and coffee will be available for the celebration! Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and to register for the event online or in person https://www.sspl.org.

Curators’ Tour of All These Growing Things

Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon. Rebecca McNamara, the Frances Young Tang ’61 Associate Curator, leads a tour. For more information about these tours or about other upcoming events, please visit https://tang.skidmore.edu or call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080.

A Raisin in the Sun

Zoom Panel Discussion | 7 p.m. Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents a panel discussion of the ground-breaking film. The film “A Raisin in the Sun” is based on a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. It was the first play by a black woman to be performed on Broadway.

The film examines generational conflict and housing discrimination and captures the high stakes, shifting currents, and varieties of experience within black life in midcentury America. Our discussion panel will share their insights on how relevant the film remains for America’s racial climate today – and for all families facing similar challenges.  Pre-registration is required. To register enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/uvTaVZu/Raisin

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts announces a Panel Discussion of the film  A Raisin in the Sun, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7 pm on Zoom

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion on Zoom of the ground-breaking film A Raisin in the Sun. The panel discussion, part of SJCA’s Social Justice series, will take place on Zoom on Thursday, October 9 at 7 pm.

The film is available to rent or buy from Amazon Prime Video. 

The film A Raisin in the Sun is based on a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. It was the first play by a black woman to be performed on Broadway.

“In the late 1950’s, it was a risky investment to launch a show in which all the characters but one were black,” says SJCA Coordinator Phyllis Wang. “It took some eighteen months for the producer, Philip Rose, to raise enough money to commence production.”  

The 1961 film version was directed by Daniel Petrie and stars Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett, Jr. It was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.

The film examines generational conflict and housing discrimination and captures the high stakes, shifting currents, and varieties of experience within black life in midcentury America.  

In a cramped and decaying apartment situated in Chicago’s South Side, the Younger family grapples with financial pressures. As the narrative unfolds, the Youngers also are reeling from the recent loss of their patriarch.

Tensions escalate between Mama’s values, deeply rooted in faith, and a son’s material ambitions as the family debates how to divide an expected life insurance payout. The story ends with a stark reminder that true freedom is only attainable through collective bravery, unwavering resolve, and an embrace of family values.  

Our discussion panel will share their insights on how relevant the film remains for America’s racial climate today – and for all families facing similar challenges.  Pre-registration is required.

To register enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/uvTaVZu/Raisin

Surrender Day Ceremony in Schuylerville: Oct. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

A cannon crew operates a cannon during the 2024 Surrender Day Ceremony (Courtesy of Saratoga County)

On Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the 248th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga will be observed at Fort Hardy Park. The ceremony commemorates the surrender of British General John Burgoyne to American General Horatio Gates in 1777.

Highlights include:

• Sword surrender reenactment

• Cannon firings and Grounding of the Arms with students

• Flag ceremonies and patriotic music

• Keynote address on General Henry Knox

• Presentation of the graphic novel “Overhearing History: A Saratoga Revolutionary Story” for 4th-grade readers, sponsored by Anderson Financial Worldwide.

Officials attending include Mayor Dan Carpenter, Supervisor Ian Murray, State Senator Jim Tedisco, and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner.

Students play central roles in the ceremony, connecting directly to the history of America’s Turning Point.

The event is free and open to the public.