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Author: Saratoga TODAY

September 26 – October 2 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, September 26

Gateway Annual Yard Sale 

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Join us for our highly anticipated annual yard sale fundraiser! The Gateway House of Peace Yard Sale offers a wide variety of treasures, household goods, décor, clothing, and more — all at great prices. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Every purchase directly supports Gateway House of Peace, a local end-of-life comfort care home providing compassionate, around-the-clock care at no cost to residents or their families. Come shop, save, and make a difference!

Saturday, September 27

4th Annual Saratoga County Family Fishing Contest

The free event is held at Stillwater Blockhouse Park on Saturday, September 27. Fishing from 8 a.m. – noon. Cash prizes, games, and events for kids. National Hunting & Fishing Day, no license required. For more information call Mike at 518-986-8335. 

Yaddo Open House

Yaddo Gardens, 312 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | Various Times. Yaddo will host a public tour of its historic Mansion and grounds. Tours will be offered at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., each lasting approximately 90 minutes. Guests will explore the Mansion’s first and second floors, West House, Greenhouse Studios, and Saratoga Studio. Tours will run rain or shine, covering varied outdoor terrain and indoor spaces, including stairs. Tickets range from $75–$85 depending on the time selected. All proceeds directly support residencies for artists shaping the future of literature, visual art, music, performance, and beyond. Volunteers are welcome to help bring this special event to life. For Yaddo Open House tickets, merch pre-orders, or to volunteer, visit: yaddo.org/event/yaddo- open-house/.

Super Hero Science

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 S. Broadway, Suite 105, Saratoga Springs | Various Times. We’re teaming up with children’s museums across the country to celebrate Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play! At the Museum, that means Super Hero Science! The day will be full of playful opportunities for kids to imagine, explore, and create while discovering that learning can feel just as fun as play. We believe every child has unique “superpowers,” from curiosity to creativity to kindness, and this is a chance for families to celebrate those strengths together! 

Pollinator Picnic at the SoBro Triangle

 SoBro Triangle, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Join us in celebrating this vibrant oasis in downtown Saratoga! Food and drink will be provided as well as a potluck table if you’d like to bring refreshments to share. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. You can expect to meet our core volunteers who hold a shared passion for regreening the neighborhood and communing amongst the flowers. Please email garden@sobroconservancy.org.  

Chinese Brush Painting 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 11 a.m.  An Introductory Lesson in Chinese Brush Painting presented by Tari Lee.  Explore the art of Chinese Brush Painting and learn how the principles differ from Western painting.  Try your hand at making ink, using Chinese brushes, and creating a small painting to keep.  Tari Lee studied Chinese Brush Painting for 8 years in Taipei Taiwan with a Master Painter and will share her experiences with you.  This class is for teens and adults.  Space is limited; please register by calling 518-882-6385.

Children’s Book Launch & Reading

Canfield Casino, High Stakes Room, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. The Saratoga Springs History Museum is proud to announce a special reading and celebration of Saratoga ABCs: The Alphabet Book of Saratoga Springs, written and illustrated by local artist Lauren Magina. Saratoga ABCs is a beautifully illustrated children’s board book that takes young readers, and Saratoga enthusiasts of all ages, on an alphabetical journey through the rich history and beloved landmarks of Saratoga Springs. In addition to a live reading by the author, the event will feature a presentation by Museum Executive Director James Parillo, who will offer deeper historical context behind the sites and stories featured in the book. Museum fees will be waived from 10 a.m. – Noon on the day of the event.

Historical Encounters Tour

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | Take this unique opportunity to experience Mount McGregor as it was in the Victorian Era. Meet characters from the past who will immerse you in their world as they bring to life the history of the mountain. Tour includes interaction with multiple historic characters on the historic site grounds, the historic cottage and the visitor center. Tours will run approximately 40-45 minutes. Saturday and Sunday only, tour times: 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. 10 individuals per tour. Cost is $25 per person or $80 for a 4 pack. For more information visit grantcottage.org. 

Spin Doctors Charity Benefit Concert

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m.  This one-of-a-kind event brings together live music, local flavor, and lasting impact in the peaceful setting of our horse farm. You’ll be part of something truly special: a night that not only rocks but helps change lives. Your ticket supports accessible mental health care through equine therapy. Every dollar raised helps care for retired racehorses in their second careers as healing partners for Veterans, children, families, and others in need of support. Entertainment includes a high energy performance by the Spin Doctors, and local favorites Rich Ortiz and the Wallies, featuring Gianna Robustiano. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets: www.thsaratoga.org/spindoctors. 

Sunday, September 28

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 Children age 10 and under, $13 take out orders. 

The Fall Antiques Festival

Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This was the former Lake Side Farms antiques show moved to the Clifton Park Elks site. After several years of hiatus, it is back. The event will include 60 dealers inside and outside, food by the Elks, a raffle, free admission and parking. For a vendor’s contract, please email Jeff at jshinaman@nycap.rr.com or call 518-932-4702. 

Facebook.com/fallantiquesfestival.

American Legion Monthly Meeting

34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Adirondack Post 70 of the American Legion will hold its monthly meeting.

Autumn Stroll – Historic Congress Park

Meet at the Brackett gates entrance to Congress Park | 10:30 a.m. Discover the historical significance of Saratoga Springs. The park’s sculptures and monuments commemorate prominent figures, and its development is intertwined with our city’s renowned springs. The motto of Health, Horses, and History is embodied in this place. During the tour, you will learn about the lives of John Morrissey, Spencer Trask, Edgar Brackett, and Ellen Hardin Walworth. You may discover hidden treasures that you have passed by daily without noticing. 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. 

Pumpkin Palooza

Finishing Touches/Cookies & Cream/Eggs on the Run, 450 East High St., Malta | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Live music, Face Painting, Pumpkin Painting Contest, Local Pop up Shops, Delicious Breakfast Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Hot Dogs, Chocolate and Fudge Tastings, the Best Ice Cream, Cider Donuts, Cinnamon Buns, Pumpkin Lattes, Pumpkin Muffins and games galore for kids and adults (including pickleball, basketball, ping pong and chess). Don’t miss it!!

When Exotic Plant Hunters Roamed the World

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. for a presentation on a time when exotic plant hunters roamed the world. Meet the brave and adventurous souls whose unquenchable thirst for exotic plants took them at great personal risk to remote areas in Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. Their spellbinding stories changed landscapes forever. The dedication of the James Mann Victorian Shade Garden will follow. In tandem with the day’s festivities, a daylily plant sale and Porch sale will be held on the front porch. Daylilies will be sold for $8 each or 3 for $20. Cash is preferred. Refreshments included and all are welcome.

Monday, September 29

Wilton Senior Health & Safety Fair Town of Wilton Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Dr., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Organized for the Wilton Seniors health, welfare, and safety. Serving light refreshments.

Escape Room: Downtime for Adults

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Adults of all abilities are welcome in the Teen Room only during our specially scheduled time. Enjoy gaming, board games, puzzles, coloring, and the sensory cart, and relax socially with other adults. No minors will be in the space during the adult-only hours. This program is for ages 18 and up. No registration required.

Tuesday, September 30

Skidmore Encore

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Skidmore Encore announces registration for its Fall 2025 lecture series delivered by the remarkable Skidmore College faculty for adult learners age 55+ from around the local region. Encore attracts intellectually curious people who are eager to learn. Join us! The 2025 program runs for seven weeks on Tuesdays from September 30 through November 11 in the gorgeous. Online registration is open. For more information: www.skidmore.edu/encore. Registration cost: $200.

Fourth Annual Public History Awards

Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Saratoga County Public History Awards.  The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held with a reception on the front porch of Brookside Museum. The 2025 recipients of the award are Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian.

Wednesday, October 1

Greenridge Cemetery Tour

Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 2:30 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center has announced an additional walking tour to conclude our 2025 season.  Experienced tour guide Gloria Marceau will lead a fall walkabout of the Greenridge Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs. This tour is focused on Civil War veterans and their stories and will include a ghostly tale appropriate for the season.  Attendees will meet at the Lincoln Avenue gate.  Registration is required.

Writing in Nature Workshops 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 1 – 2:30 p.m. If you want to get outside, learn from a writer, and combine your love of writing and nature, this is the workshop for you! This FREE program is being led by Skidmore professor, Michael Marx, and is appropriate for participants older than 10. All supplies will be provided. To register: https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/education/calendar

Baby Back Ribs 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: baby back ribs, baked beans, cold slaw, corn bread. Dinner: $15 (cash only). 

Pickin’s 

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6 – 9 p.m. Free Admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.

Poetry Reading

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Bertha Rogers, an open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org., 518-583-0022.

Thursday, October 2

5th Annual Saratoga Book Festival

Various Locations throughout Saratoga Springs | October 2–5.  This four-day celebration will bring together more than 50 authors and presenters for conversations, performances, panels, and family fun—across downtown Saratoga Springs. Most events are free and open to the public. The festival also features special live music performances, panels on AI, highlights like KidZone with crafts and readings, a Jane Austen tribute at Caffe Lena featuring teatime celebration, Genre Panels ranging from crime to fantasy to historical fiction and Home Inspiration. You can also be part of the festival as a volunteer, sponsor or just helping to spread the word. To learn more visit friends.sspl.org/book-festival/.

A Conversation with Smithsonian Professionals 

ZOOM Program | 2 p.m. Join us from home for a conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Grief Circle Group

15 Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, South Glens Falls | 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. your choice. A grief support group coming together to help each other through grief. We will meet every Thursday. Please contact Roberta at 518-812-4001 if you are interested in attending. Leave a message and you will receive a return call. 

Brooks BBQ

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. or until sold out. 

$17 per meal includes: 1/2 chicken, potato, coleslaw, roll.  Cash or card accepted. 

Art of Remembering: Indigenous Language Reclamation & Regional History

Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 7 p.m. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices in the revitalization of Algonquian languages. Bruchac will weave together personal stories, historical insight, and reflections from his lifelong work in education and cultural preservation. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the ties between Indigenous language reclamation and regional history, and how these connections shape both the past and present. This lecture is free and open to the public. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend. For more information or to register, visit www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org.

Social Security Education Program 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m.  Making decisions about when to start collecting Social Security benefits is often difficult yet may be one of the most important financial decisions made.  This free program will discuss the basics of Social Security and how to make informed decisions for your unique retirement situation.  Individuals aged 55 – 70 will want to attend.  Registration is requested at 518-882-6385.  Presented as a community service by John Kalil, Financial Advisor and Founder/President of Retirement Solutions, LLC.

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. 

High School Scores and Highlights: State Champ Schuylerville 3-0 This Season, Saratoga Field Hockey 6-2, Scotties Victorious

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Image via the Ballston Spa Football Booster Club.

State Champ Schuylerville Remains Perfect This Season

The Schuylerville varsity football squad, 2024 Class C state champions, won their third game of the season on Sept. 19, defeating Hudson 49 to 22. The Black Horses are now 3-0 heading into a Sept. 26 contest at home against Granville/Whitehall. Against the Hudson Bluehawks, sophomore running back Ernie DaCosta rushed 119 yards and found the endzone 3 times on just 8 carries. Junior Max Montgomery added 4 rushing TDs and 85 yards. DaCosta also caught one pass for 34 yards.

Saratoga Field Hockey Now 6-2 After Undefeated Streak

After winning their first five games in a row, the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team is now 6-2 on the season after a 5-4 double overtime loss to Bethlehem Central on Sept. 15 and a 5-0 loss to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Sept. 17. The Blue Streaks rebounded, however, with a 5-2 victory against Shenendehowa on Sept. 19. In that contest, Andi Schiffer scored 1 goal, standout Mia Khazin had 3 goals, Maddy Finn added 1 goal, and Alexis Georgeadis had 9 saves for Saratoga.

Scotties Beat Amsterdam

The Ballston Spa High School football team soundly defeated Amsterdam, 27 to 6, last Friday. The game was tied 6-6 at halftime but the Scotties went wild in the third quarter, scoring 21 points and mounting a lead too large for Amsterdam to overcome. Jacob Thomas led the way with a rushing touchdown, followed not long afterwards by a Tyler Perkins TD. The third endzone appearance of the quarter came when quarterback Chris Duclos hit Wyatt Older for a huge 77-yard catch. The Scotties will look to keep the good vibes rolling when they head to Queensbury for a Friday night game. 

Spa Catholic Volleyball Victorious

On Sept. 22, the Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball team beat Tamarac 3-0, improving to a 6-3-1 record on the season. For the Saints, Margaret Crowe had 8 kills and 4 aces while Gia Roche earned 7 kills and 7 aces.

Schuylerville Boys Soccer Shuts Out Gloversville

Thomas Tyler recorded 2 goals and Dean Barraclough dished out 3 assists to lead the Black Horses to a 6-0 shutout victory on Sept. 19 against Gloversville. Schuylerville now has a 2-3-2 overall record for the season.

Blue Streaks Football Falls for First Time This Season

The Saratoga Springs varsity football team fell to 2-1 on the year after losing to Christian Brothers Academy, 40 to 21 last Friday. The lopsided affair saw solid outings from Blue Streak running back Benjamin Coryea (16 carries for 213 yards and 1 touchdown) and wide receiver John Dunne (2 catches for 39 yards and a touchdown). Saratoga will next travel to Shaker for a Sept. 26 game. 

Saints Soccer Squad Results

Sept. 12: Saratoga Central Catholic (SCC) 0 @ Cambridge 1.

Sept. 15: Whitehall 6 @ SCC 0 (played at Saratoga High School).

Sept. 18: SCC 3 @ NorthWarren 1 (two Saints goals scored by Addison Quail, one goal by 

Alison Fuller).

Sept. 19: Germantown 1 @ SCC 2 (played at Skidmore College; two Saints goals scored by Addison Quail).

Sept. 22: Watervliet 1 @ SCC 8.

Saints record for the season: 3-5-1.

Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations for Class of 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — Nominations for the Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be accepted until January 15, 2026. To submit a nomination, or for more information, please visit ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com/nominations.

The mission of the Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, and community members who have made significant contributions to the Ballston Spa Athletic program through their service, performance, dedication, commitment and accomplishment.

Saratoga Hospital Golf Invitational Raises $203K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than $203,500 was raised to support nursing education and professional development at Saratoga Hospital during its 23rd annual golf invitational on Sept. 10 at the Saratoga National Golf Club.

The proceeds fund scholarships for Saratoga Hospital nurses to pursue advanced degrees, specialty certifications, and professional training.

The Hayes family, winners of the $10,000 cash raffle prize, generously donated their winnings back to the hospital.

 “Together, we surpassed last year’s total, proving just how much our community values the education and growth of Saratoga’s nurses,” said Jeremy Annese, co-chair of the invitational. “It was a true honor to help lead this effort and see such generosity in action.”

Skidmore Sports Roundup

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Men’s Tennis Doubles Team Reaches Finals

The doubles team of Kyle Lundberg and Ege Topbas reached the A Flight Doubles Finals highlighting a strong season-opening weekend for the Skidmore College men’s tennis team at the Middlebury Invitational. Lundberg, a senior, and Topbas, a first-year, rattled off victories over squads from Bates (8-3), Hamilton (8-7[7-2]), and Bradeis (8-6) to reach the championship match. Their run came to an end against Wu and Lewis from host Middlebury.

Two out of Skidmore’s three doubles teams in the top draw earned victories. The other (Harrison Gradin/Yuval Goodman) fell in an ultra-competitive tiebreak (9-7[9-7]). Nika Mori and Fletcher King worked an 8-7(7-5) victory over opponents from Hamilton in the first round.

Volleyball Squad Beats Plattsburgh and Manhattanville

The Skidmore College volleyball team won 6-of-7 sets on Saturday on the way to victories over both Plattsburgh State and Manhattanville University. The Thoroughbreds swept Plattsburgh (25-20, 25-22, 25-17) before defeating Manhattanville in four sets to close the tri-match (25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 25-13). Skidmore improves to 6-5 with just one more match before conference play begins.

Women’s Soccer Defeats Gordon

Skidmore’s women’s soccer team scored early and held on late to take down Gordon College, 2-1, on the road Saturday afternoon. The Thoroughbreds (2-2-2) struck first midway in the first half on a breakaway goal from junior Abby Lewis, before freshman Mara Grace tacked on a much-needed insurance goal early in the second half to help hold off a late-game comeback bid from the Fighting Scots (2-5), in a game that Skidmore held a substantial 17-to-4 advantage in shots attempted. Lewis’ goal was her third on the year and tenth as a Thoroughbred. Grace’s score was her second on the season. Aiello’s assist marked her first on the season and fourth of her career. Hallet’s assist was the first of her career.

Golf Team Finishes 11th

Skidmore’s golf team shot a team score of 305 on Sunday morning in the last of three rounds at the Williams Fall Invitational to finish 11th with an aggregate score of 919. Skidmore placed ahead of Liberty League foe St. Lawrence and just two shots behind Rensselaer. Rudraksha Banerjee shot the team’s low round of the day of 74 with two out of the team’s six birdies on the day. He finished tied for 21st. Patrick McLaughlin finished in a tie for 24th. On Sunday, the sophomore fired a 77. Classmate Johnny Hwang was one better in round three. His 76 brought him up to a t-62 finish.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway Concludes 60th Season: Malta Massive Weekend Results

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

MALTA — The 2025 Albany-Saratoga Speedway season, the 60th in the track’s history, concluded on Sept. 20 with the “Massive Malta Weekend” event. Here are the results from two packed days of racing.

Friday, Sept. 19 Results

Marc Johnson has won a lot of races and taken home a lot of trophies during his modified racing career. But on Friday night, he finally got his belt.

Johnson charged from his 15th starting position, took the lead away from “Money” Mat Williamson on lap 35 and came away with a victory in the 50-lap DIRTcar 358 Series race that highlighted opening night of the season-ending Malta Massive Weekend at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Johnson took home $4,000 for the win, but more importantly, also earned one of the pro wrestling-inspired belts that are awarded to winners during Malta Massive Weekend.

“It’s about time,” said Johnson after chalking up the first DIRTcar 358 Series victory of his career.

Since Malta Massive Weekend was created in 2022, Johnson had finished in the top five in all three 358 races, with back-to-back thirds in 2022 and 2023, and a fifth last year.

But now, he’s got his belt.

“I just kept digging,” said Johnson after the win. “I really didn’t know if the bottom or the top was better. When Lyle (promoter Lyle DeVore) went out and watered and tilled the track before the feature, I thought, this is going to hurt me. But the track was so racy. This place hasn’t been this good for a long time.”

• Connor Crane won the 35-lap DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series race, finishing ahead of invader Richard Murtaugh in a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats during the final laps. Crane was able to pull away to record his third win of the season, and his first during Malta Massive Weekend.

• The sportsman feature also was the final race of the Capital District Racing Association Series, and Tim Hartman Jr. locked up the CRDA championship by finishing 10th.

• Chris Stalker held off Tyler Irwin to win the 20-lap street stock feature and received $400 in bonus money from Croteau & Sons Service Center and Ghent Wood Products. The race was slowed by five late cautions, but each time, Stalker got a good launch on the restarts and was able to stay in front of Irwin.

• Josh Reome won the 15-lap four-cylinder feature, holding off JP Corrow, who started 15th in the 18-car field. Track champion Adam Montville finished third, while Damian Ward was fourth overall and had the first single-cam car across the finish line.

Saturday, Sept. 20 Results

Even though Matt Sheppard had two bumpers on his car Saturday night, the only one most of the competitors at Albany-Saratoga Speedway got a good look at was the one on the rear of his car.

After getting the pole position in the redraw, Sheppard put on a dominant show, leading flag-to-flag to win the 100-lap Super DIRTcar Series race that highlighted the second night of Malta Massive Weekend.

Sheppard took home the top prize of $10,000 for the win and became the first two-time modified winner during Malta Massive Weekend, as he also won the 100-lap season-closer in 2022.

Because Sheppard already had a guaranteed starting spot in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 next month at Oswego, that reward went to Jimmy Phelps, who finished second after a race-long battle with Anthony Perrego, who earned the final spot on the podium.

“We had talked about it earlier, how the track was going to change, and it did a little but not as much as I thought,” said Sheppard after the win. “It slicked up, and I couldn’t steer through the middle of one and two, so I was just driving it in and taking it to the top. I had good speed all night.”

Invaders occupied the top five spots in the final rundown, and all of them started in the top six. Peter Britten, the 2024 Albany-Saratoga champion, came from 10th to finish sixth while Matt DeLorenzo finished seventh, after starting 16th.

Tim Sears Jr. set fast time during time trials, earning a $100 bonus. Andy’s Speed Shop put up $100 bonuses to the modified heat winners, and those bonuses went to Sears Jr., Alex Payne, Phelps, and Sheppard.

The list of drivers who failed to qualify for the 100-lap feature included Ronnie Johnson, Jack Speshock and Don Ronca, who all won modified features at Malta during 2025.

• Brandon Emigh held off Kyle Hoard to win the 30-lap DIRTcar Pro Stock Series race. The win was Emigh’s second of the year. Following Emigh and Hoard across the finish line were Chris Stalker, who had started 10th, Marc Lalonde, and Duell.

• The limited sportsmen were also on the Saturday night card and were racing for a $1,000 bonus in the memory of Amy Lee Jennings, courtesy of Scott Jennings and the Mesothelioma Warrior Alliance. Running the final race on a slicked-over track, the limited sportsman looked like Bambi trying to cross a frozen pond. Because of one yellow and one red, 13 minutes passed before one lap was even completed. Alex Smith took advantage of the multi-car, red-flag incident, which involved pole-sitter Adam Tranka, to get the lead on the first lap and that’s where he stayed to win the 30-lap feature and the top prize of $1,000. Sloan Cherko took advantage of her front-row starting spot to finish second, while Mike Block Sr. finished third after starting ninth.

Opera Saratoga Announces First-Ever Holiday Opera

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — To kick off a year-long celebration of Opera Saratoga/Lake George Opera Festival’s 65th anniversary, Opera Saratoga recently announced the first holiday opera in the company’s history: a special, 80-minute concert version of Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” at Universal Preservation Hall on Friday, Dec. 5.

The concert will be directed and accompanied on piano by Adam Nielsen (The Juilliard School, Metropolitan Opera) and directed by Mary Birnbaum, Opera Saratoga’s general and artistic director. The Skidmore Chorus will be conducted by Floyd Ricketts and include members of the Excelsior Vocal Ensemble.

“We chose ‘La Bohème’ to honor the heritage of Opera Saratoga, formerly the Lake George Opera Festival, which began its first season 65 years ago with this beloved Puccini classic,” said director Mary Birnbaum. “It’s a magical introduction to opera; Puccini’s story of young artists in love is heartfelt and accessible, especially for first-time operagoers. The opera begins on Christmas Eve and later moves to the festive streets of Paris, making it the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with our community.”

The cast includes Kayla Stein (The Juilliard School, Aspen Opera) as Mimì, Daniel O’Hearn (Alum of the Lindemann Program, Metropolitan Opera) as Rodolfo, Gregory Feldmann (Opernhaus Zürich) as Marcello , Shelén Hughes (Oper Frankfurt) as Musetta, Joseph Parrish (Salzburg Festspiele) as Schaunard,  Carl Dupont (Opera Saratoga alum) as Colline and Andrew Burger (Excelsior Vocal Ensemble) as Alcindoro.

For tickets or more information, visit www.atproctors.org.

Saratoga Native Screens New Film, Announces Upcoming Projects

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

WILTON — Saratoga Springs and Ballston Lake native Stephen Soucy rounded up A-list, international talent to appear in his latest film.

Appearing on screen at Scene One in Wilton were some of the most celebrated names in British cinema: Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Grant, and Vanessa Redgrave, to name a few. All of them spoke, often candidly and cheekily, about their experiences with the famed Merchant Ivory film production company responsible for classics like “The Remains of the Day,” “A Room with a View,” and “Howards End” (all three of which received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture).

More than just acquiring access to these talented thespians for his feature documentary on Merchant Ivory, Soucy managed to coax insightful comments from them about their work, lives, and the occasional tumultuous experience working on a Merchant Ivory production. Despite the company’s reputation for gorgeous, lush images and soaring orchestral scores, Merchant Ivory did things cheaply and quickly, turning cutting corners into something of an art form.

“One funny thing that didn’t make it into the film,” said Soucy at a post-screening Q&A, “someone said that [Merchant Ivory producer Ismail Merchant] would not get insurance. He would not get insurance when they were shooting some of their films… Cutting corners, finding a way to save however many thousands of dollars that was, that’s risky stuff.”

For Soucy, the risks and logistics of producing are not just themes in his latest film, they’re part of his life. In addition to making the Merchant Ivory documentary, Soucy is also a theater producer, and his latest venture, “Romy and Michele: The Musical,” opens for previews next month at Stage 42 in New York City. Although he doesn’t necessarily subscribe to Ismail’s ways of doing things, he said he saw bits of himself in the determined, do-what-it-takes-to-get-the-job-done producer.

“Producing is hard,” Soucy said. “I was the one who embarked on these interviews and [I] had so many amazing collaborators, but at the very beginning…I was like, I want to do this. I’m going to do this. So that producer mentality is definitely a piece of Ismail.”

Of course, fundraising and planning and insuring (or not insuring) a film production is all in service of a larger goal: to create a piece of art that resonates with the public. Merchant Ivory Productions succeeded in that task many times, and so, too, did Soucy with his documentary about them. The film is lengthy but zips along at a rapid pace, taking the viewer from India to the U.K. to Upstate New York, where the 97-year-old director James Ivory currently lives. Ivory both participated in and approved of Soucy’s film. He was also willing to explore aspects of his personal life that may have previously been off limits.

Ivory and Ismail were partners in both business and life, maintaining a romantic relationship that spanned more than four decades. Although not necessarily “out” in the contemporary sense of the word, their relationship wasn’t much of a secret either. After the success of their 1985 film “A Room With a View,” which earned eight Academy Award noms and was a box office hit, the duo capitalized on their triumph by making “Maurice,” a film about gay love in Edwardian England. “Maurice” is a prime example of how Merchant Ivory combined their affinity for literary adaptations with stories that questioned societal norms.

That combination also seems to appeal to Soucy, who said he’s working on acquiring the film rights to “Grief,” a novel by Andrew Holleran about the journey of a middle-aged gay man dealing with the death of his mother. Soucy also said he’s written an original screenplay that he hopes to shoot next year in Upstate New York. Ivory appears to be involved, either in official or unofficial capacities, with both films. His involvement could prove invaluable to the projects, especially considering he won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the 2017 romantic drama “Call Me by Your Name.”

The screening of “Merchant Ivory: The Documentary” was presented by the Saratoga Book Festival in collaboration with Saratoga Arts and the 518 Film Network. The film’s score was composed by Ryan Homsey, who lives in Saratoga Springs and works at Skidmore College.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai Coming to Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai will be at Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. for a special event co-presented by the Northshire Bookstore. Yousafzai’s new memoir, “Finding My Way,” will be released on Oct. 21.

Thrust onto the public stage at 15 years old after the Taliban’s brutal attack on her life, Malala Yousafzai quickly became an international figure. But away from the cameras and crowds, she spent years struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar world. Now, for the first time ever, Malala will take readers beyond the headlines in “Finding My Way.”

Yousafzai is an education activist, the youngest-ever Nobel laureate, a bestselling author, and an award-winning film producer. She was born in Mingora, Pakistan in 1997 and graduated from Oxford University in 2020.

Tickets for this event must be purchased via the Arthur Zankel Music Center box office. To purchase by phone call 518-580-5321, or visit the box office in person from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. To purchase tickets online, visit www.purplepass.com/events/336322-finding-my-way%3A-an-evening-with-malala-yousafzai-oct-25th-2025.

Tang Museum’s “Days of Intonement” Features Workshop and Performances

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Photo of Chaia by 
Jess O’Donoghue.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College recently announced the second annual Days of Intonement, a space for music, sound, and reflection on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. The event features a workshop, sound experiences, and a performance situated in the season of the Jewish High Holidays. Open to all, the program expects no prior knowledge of or experience with any religious traditions.

Days of Intonement

• 2 p.m.: Hands-on Kleztronica Workshop: Engage with DJ Chaia’s philosophy and performance practice of cultural sampling and witness Yiddish archives turn into contemporary beats. Kleztronica melds traditional Yiddish music with contemporary electronic genres like house and techno.

• 3:30 p.m.: Intonement Ritual: Inspired by (but straying far from) Jewish traditions of gathering, (a)toning, and releasing what we no longer need, sound artist Adam Tinkle leads a sequence of collective rituals and sound experiences sampled freely from High Holiday liturgy.

• 4:30 p.m.: Kleztronica DJ Set Performance by Chaia: Accordion, vocals, and samples weave together to invite audiences to engage with ritual, intergenerational trauma, and the echoes of ancestral memory.

The program and admission to the Tang are free. The Tang Museum is located on the Skidmore College campus at 815 N. Broadway.