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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Delayed Auto Show to Take Place Saturday


The Saratoga Automobile Museum Ready to Welcome 1,000+ Vehicles—With Special Muscle Car Section, EV Ride & Drive, and Corvette Excitement Still in the Air ( Courtesy of Saratoga Automobile Museum)

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After poor weather postponed the original event date, the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Spring Auto Show is all set for its new date: Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saratoga Spa State Park. 

Over 1,000 cars, trucks, and motorcycles are expected on the show field. As a special incentive, the 1,000th registrant will receive a PLUS Museum Membership valued at $150, offering unlimited admission to museum exhibits and programs for a full year.

“Along with the membership, we’re going to reserve a display space right next to me in the award area for the 1,000th entrant’s car, truck, or motorcycle,” said show MC Ron Hedger. “I’m looking forward to interviewing him or her, along with our trophy winners selected by the judges.”

With the Muscle Car Show now taking place on the same date, the museum is creating a dedicated display area for all pre-registered Muscle Car entries—giving these American powerhouses the attention they deserve.

Another exciting addition to this year’s event is the EV Ride and Drive — brought to you by ENYCAR. Guests will have the opportunity to test drive participating electric and hybrid vehicles throughout the day. Whether you’re curious about EV technology or ready to make the switch, this hands-on experience is a must for forward-thinking drivers.

While the Spring Auto Show was rescheduled, the 2025 Corvette Sweepstakes drawing was held on the original date of May 10. The Museum is pleased to announce that the winner of the brand-new Corvette and $20,000 in cash is Philip Ting, entry #126936. Congratulations to Philip and thank you to all who supported the museum by entering!

To accommodate the expanded field, new judging classes have been added for 2025, ensuring all types of vehicles are recognized. The awards ceremony begins at 1 p.m., with Hedger interviewing winners across nine judged categories, culminating in the prestigious Best in Show.

Advance registration is available now at www.saratogaautomuseum.org for just $20, a $5 savings off the day-of rate. All registrants receive two museum admissions, including access to the featured exhibit Speed – Style – Legacy: The Corvette Story in the newly opened Golub Gallery.

The show remains free to spectators and includes a full lineup of vendors, food trucks, and sponsor displays from Alfa Romeo of Albany, Northeast Acura, Saratoga Honda, Porsche of Clifton Park, and Mohawk Collision Center. On-field registration and parking open at 8 a.m. on the museum’s spacious event field along the Avenue of the Pines.

For more information visit saratogaautomuseum.org or contact Megan Hennessey at 518.401.5185, megan@saratogaautomuseum.org.

Jewish War Vets Post 36Places Flags for Memorial Day


JWV Post 36 members render the hand salute at the graves of fellow JWV members and congregants of Congregation Shaara T’Fille during the Post’s annual flag placement in recognition of Memorial Day.
(Photo courtesy JWV Post 36).

A flag placed on the grave of a veteran by members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 36 in the Congregation Shaara T’Fille cemetery. Photos by Aidan Cahill


Members of Jewish War Veterans Post 36 placed 50 flags at the graves of veterans and congregants interred at the Congregation Shaara T’Fille cemetery as part of their annual recognition of Memorial Day. 

Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is an American Jewish veterans’ organization created in 1896 by American Civil War veterans to raise awareness of contributions made by Jewish service members.

Jewish War Veterans has an estimated 7,000 members, ranging from World War II to current conflicts as well as active-duty personnel. It is the oldest active national veterans’ service organization in the US.

NYRA Program Spotlights Local Horse Farms

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced this week that the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program will be offered Thursdays through Sundays during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet. Previously, the program was available Wednesdays through Saturdays.

This year’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours are presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders and will feature three area farms: Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm, and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding operation in Stillwater that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. The farm helped launch the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program in 2022.

Established in 2005 and managed by owner Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm is a private breeding operation located just minutes from Saratoga Race Course. The farm also serves as the summer home of New York’s leading Turf Sire, War Dancer, who is on hand to greet visitors from his paddock.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in Mechanicville in 2005.

The tours will be available every Thursday through Sunday during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31. The lone exception is Sunday, August 10, whose tour to Sugar Plum Farm will be offered on Wednesday, August 6.

 Tickets for the Breakfast and Breeding Farm program are now available at NYRA.com.  

Saratoga Grads Earn Baseball and Tennis Accolades


SARATOGA SPRINGS — Two Saratoga Springs High School graduates, Zander Teator and Nick Grosso, found continued success at their respective colleges this month. Teator earned First-Team All-NEWMAC Honors on the baseball diamond for Babson College, while Grosso secured All-Liberty League singles honorable mention on the tennis court for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Grosso also garnered second-team doubles recognition alongside Nick Fischer.


Photo of Zander Teator provided by Bill Teator.

Zander Teator

Teator earned his first All-Conference selection as a utility player after seeing action as both a second baseman and a closer. He led his team and ranked sixth in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) with a .386 batting average, producing 34 hits, 11 doubles, a triple, four dingers, and six stolen bases. He was second on the team with 34 RBI, fourth with 29 runs scored, and third in the NEWMAC in slugging percentage (.670).

On the mound, Teator made 16 appearances and posted a 2.41 ERA, allowing 16 hits while striking out 15 batters in 18.2 innings of work. He shared the NEWMAC leaderboard with six saves. His 12 career saves are the second-most in program history.


Photo of Nick Grosso via Adam Faird/Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletics.

Nick Grosso

Grosso was named to the All-Liberty League teams for the first time in his career. He was 11-10 in singles action this season, including a 10-8 mark in dual matches. He was also 9-8 at No. 3 singles and won his lone appearance at No. 2 singles. He has a 41-26 career singles record.

Alongside Fischer, Grosso also formed Hobart’s top doubles team this year. They were 12-9 overall, including a 9-7 record in dual matches. Fischer and Grosso won four of their final five matches of the season. Grosso also has a career 23-15 record in doubles play.

Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre Announce Shows for 2025-26 Seasons 

SCHENECTADY — Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre have announced a series of shows representing their respective 2025-26 seasons.

The Main Stage at Proctors will present: “A Beautiful Noise,” on Sept. 23-28, “Spamalot” on Jan. 6-11, 2026, “The Sound of Music” on March 17-22, 2026, “Water for Elephants” on April 7-12, 2026, & “Juliet” April 28-May 3, 2026.  

The winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, “The Outsiders,” is running on the Main Stage at Proctors May 19-24, 2026, and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” will be on the Main Stage June 2-7, 2026. 

Capital Repertory Theatre kicks off the 2025-26 season with “Becky Nurse of Salem” by Sarah Ruhl on Sept. 26-Oct. 19, 2025. The next show – a perfect way to celebrate the holidays, is “Murder for Two: Holiday Edition” on the Main Stage at the REP Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, 2025. In 2026, shows include: “Archduke” by Rajiv Joseph, running March 6-29, and “Dodi & Diana” April 24–May 17, 2026. 

The last show on the Main Stage at the REP this season will run July 10 – Aug. 9, 2026, based on the beloved 1988 film. “Mystic Pizza” serves up friendship, romance, and a heaping slice of ‘80s nostalgia. 

Season subscriptions for both Proctors and the REP are available, offering patrons the best seats at the best prices, along with exclusive benefits. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date. For more information, patrons can reach out to the Box Office at Proctors in person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Tuesday- Saturday 12-6 p.m. or online by visiting atproctors.org or attherep.org.

Beekman Street Art Fair 2025 on Sunday, June 1


Beekman Street Art Fair. File photo

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Beekman Street Art Fair will be held Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The family friendly event brings artists, neighbors, and visitors together in a festive art and music filled environment on Saratoga’s historic West Side.

This event features 61 juried artists, live music coordinated by Caffe Lena, multiple food truck and culinary options, and an appearance by Upset the Miniature Dark Horse of Saratoga who will kick off the Fair. 

Fairgoers can easily get to and from the fair via a free shuttle bus running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel to Beekman Street and Grand Avenue.

The Saratoga Springs Arts District was recently expanded. This year, the Fair will include the block from Washington Street to Grand Avenue. 

The musical lineup for the day is: 10 am Folk Club Kids Band; 11 am, Amélie Ushakov; noon – Lovella; 1 pm – Prakash Slim; 2 pm – Mostly Modern; 3 pm – Millstone Rounders; and 4 pm – Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band.

The Fair is produced by the Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc. (SSADI), and is funded by a grant from the Community Arts Grant from Saratoga Arts. Saratoga Arts Community Arts Grants are made possible with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. 

For more information and shuttle bus schedule, please visit www.ArtsonBeekman.org

The Albany Symphony Announces 2025-2026 Season 


The Albany Symphony 2025-2026 season will run from October 2025 through June 2026. Photo provided.

ALBANY — The Albany Symphony 2025-2026 season will feature masterworks including Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, Holst’s The Planets, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10, as well as new works by celebrated composers of the modern day. 

Concerts will take place at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Palace Theatre in downtown Albany, Proctors in Schenectady, and EMPAC at RPI in Troy. The season continues at the Albany Symphony’s multi-year festival project Water Music New York: More Voices, which commemorates the Erie Canal Bicentennial.

Opening night in October features Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite and Dvořák’s heartbreakingly beautiful Cello Concerto, performed by cellist Zlatomir Fung. 

Gustav Holst’s The Planets will be the centerpiece of the November concert and features a haunting offstage chorus of 40 women from Albany Pro Musica. 

Christina Bouey, Albany Symphony’s multi-talented new concertmaster, Goldberg Charitable Trust chair, will be one of the soloists in December, performing J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Also on the program, Yi-heng Yang returns to perform Mozart’s most romantic concerto, the Piano Concerto No. 20.

The 2025-2026 season runs from October 2025 through the American Music Festival in June 2026.

Water Music New York: More Voices will continue in 2025-2026. This multi-art, creative placemaking initiative in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation commemorates the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal. 

The season will conclude with the orchestra’s annual survey of the most exciting, noteworthy recent American music, the American Music Festival in June 2026. Three new America250 commissions, honoring the semi-quincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, by Brittney Benton, Jihyun Kim, and Max Vinetz will complete the program.

Subscriptions offer patrons the opportunity to purchase their favorite seats before tickets go on sale to the general public. For more information about the season or to purchase a subscription online, visit www.albanysymphony.com or call the Albany Symphony Box Office at 518-694-3300.

May 23 – May 29, 2025

This Week’s Events:   

Friday, May 23 

Brooks BBQ Fundraiser

Saratoga Springs High School, 3 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs | 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Saratoga Springs community is invited to enjoy a delicious take-out dinner while supporting the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation. Chicken Dinner (Pre-Pay Price: $16) – Includes ½ Chicken, Baked Potato, Coleslaw, and Roll, ½ Chicken Only: $10, Chicken Dinner (Pay On-Site): $20. Buy a Dinner for a Student: $16 – Donated meals will be distributed to students in our district. Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Saratoga Springs City School District. The Foundation awards grants to educators who demonstrate a passion for enhancing student achievement and learning through innovative and creative practices. 

Saturday, May 24

American Legion Monthly Meeting

Adirondack Post 70, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. 

Art in the Park

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, May 31). 

Join us for our annual art fair in Congress Park, located in beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs. The event features artists from near and far representing all genres of work in a beautiful park setting. Artists will be on hand selling and discussing their work with the public. The event will also feature live music, artist demos, and more! This event is free and open to the public! 

Community Compost Kickoff Apple Core Toss

Pitney Meadows, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | Noon.  Pitney Meadows Community Farm, in partnership with Sustainable Saratoga, is proud to announce the launch of a new city-funded Community Compost Program. The kickoff will begin with a one-hour training session for program participants and tour of the composting site, and will conclude with our celebratory Apple Core Toss. For more information visit
www.pitneymeadows
communityfarm.org/community-compost. 

Sunday, May 25

I Gave Him My Thanks. It Was All I Had to Give

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mount McGregor Rd. Wilton | 1 p.m.  A Memorial Day Living History presentation by Steve Trimm. Grant Cottage tour guide Steve Trimm will portray Civil War Union soldier Rice C. Bull to share his harrowing, but ultimately inspiring tale. As part of our Literary Landmark Author Series, Trimm will be signing copies of his books Saving Grant Cottage and General Grant’s Supporting Players following the presentation. A limited quantity of the book Soldiering: The Civil War diary of Rice C. Bull, 123rd New York Volunteer Infantry also available. For full details about Grant Cottage Programs & Events visit grantcottage.org/events.

Monday, May 26

Annual Pie and Quiche Sale

Galway Village Park, Corner of Rte147 and CR 45, Galway | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Glenville Hills Garden Club of Saratoga County will hold its annual pie and quiche sale on Memorial Day. Proceeds will fund the garden club projects, including community beautification and the sponsorship of students at environmental camps.   

Memorial Day Ceremony 

American Legion Post Mohawk Post 1450’s Covered Pavilion, 275 Grooms Rd, Halfmoon | 11 a.m. 

Commander Charles LaFountain is pleased to invite the public to attend our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The public is urged to attend and participate in this patriotic event to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Tuesday, May 27

Kids Build, Caregivers Connect

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Neurodivergent children in preschool through grade 6 who enjoy Legos, magna tiles, blocks, and more – join us to build and create in an environment that embraces and celebrates all neurodiverse identities! While kids build, parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with each other. Co-Sponsored by SUNY Empire State University Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, & Supports (CAARES). Please register online. sspl.org. 

Wednesday,
May 28

Chicken & Sausage Riggies 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: chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes in a pink sauce over spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic toast. $15 per dinner (cash only). 

In a Grove

Ferndell Pavilion, Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs | 5 and 7 p.m.  Opera Saratoga presents In a Grove. “Vividly immersive thriller!” raved the New York Times about this new 60-minute production. Speakers hidden in the trees provide surround sound as audiences enter the grove during this operatic adaptation of Akutagawa’s short story — which offers a searing investigation into the impossibility and elusiveness of truth. This exciting site-specific electronic opera was composed by Chris Cerrone with libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann. Also held May 29 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to OperaSaratoga.org.

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. For our meeting this month, club member Ray Sussmann will be speaking on the subject of Focal Length and Depth of Field. The theme of this month’s member Photo Challenge is: Clouds. Everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, please contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Science on Tap 

Common Roots Brewing Company, South Glens Falls | 7 p.m. Science on Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-6/.

Thursday, May 29

Authentic Hispanic Cuisine Fundraising Dinner

45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs | 4 – 8 p.m. Take out only. Walk ins welcome. Call or text to order 518-879-3491. $15 per order.

An Evening with Mychal the Librarian

Shenendehowa High School, West Auditorium, 970 Route 146, Clifton Park | 7 p.m. A discussion with librarian and social media star, Mychal Threets, followed by photo opportunities. All ages are welcome to attend this event. Mychal is a former children’s librarian and literary ambassador from northern California who shares his love for libraries, as well as his own mental health journey, on his social media channels. This February he was named PBS’ Resident Librarian. Mychal is known for spreading library joy and sharing stories about his positive interactions with library kids and library grownups. He is the self-proclaimed #1 fan of libraries! Participants are encouraged to register online at www.cphlibrary.org. 

Identifying Teenage Drug Use

Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield, 7 – 8 p.m. The Prevention Council’s “Right Under Your Nose” program provides a nuts-and-bolts demonstration of how a parent can recognize signs of current drug culture and trends. Open to residents and non-residents. The program will be offered first-come first served to a maximum of 75 people (adults only), or to secure a spot you can register in advance by calling 518-893-7432 ext. 307.

May 23 – May 29, 2025

Upcoming Events

2-Session Freshwater Fishing Instruction Class

The Academy for Lifelong Learning is offering a 2-session freshwater fishing course on Fridays, May 30 and June 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. The cost is $25 per person. Registration is open to everyone. Academy membership is not required. To view the flyer with more information and the registration form, go to www.allsaratroga.org.

Millers Backyard BBQ

Friday, May 30, 3 – 6 p.m. Include Brookside Museum in your dinner plans, order some delicious Millers Backyard Barbecue and pick it up from Brookside Museum. Chicken and pulled pork dinners are available for $15 and beef brisket dinners for $20 (beef brisket by pre-order only). All dinners include baked potato, coleslaw and cornbread. An 8 oz. serving of mac & cheese is also available for $5. Drive-thru pickup/take out only. Pre-ordering is highly encouraged. Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave Ballston Spa. For more information check www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Summer SPACtacular

Join us on Friday, May 30 at 5 p.m. for a magical evening under the stars and on the SPAC stage at our summer season kickoff fundraiser. The 3rd annual Summer SPACtacular promises to be the best yet, all to celebrate and support SPAC’s mission to serve the Capital Region and beyond through artistic excellence, educational programming, and community outreach. This event will sell out. Space is limited. Do not wait to purchase tickets. Tickets start at $175. This event is 21+. Learn more and buy tickets at spac.org. 

The Fate of the Day

Northshire Bookstore & Saratoga, America’s Turning Point, are thrilled to present an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Rick Atkinson, in celebration of The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy. Atkinson will discuss the book and his work with Joe Donahue of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. The event will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 255 Broadway, Saratoga Springs at 6 p.m. on May 30. 

Heritage Garden Club Sale

Heritage Garden Club Perennial Plant, Herbs, Annuals and Garden Decor Sale.  Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m.  until sold out at the Italian American Center, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs.  There will be a variety of perennial plants, herbs, several annual plants and garden décor available.  Those interested in joining are always welcome to join us as new members.  You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to become a member of our garden club.  If interested contact 518-256-3141 or find us on Facebook at HeritgeGarden
ClubofSaratogaSprings. 

Pollinator Palooza Native Plant Sale 

Join Sustainable Saratoga on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to buy native plants and meet people dedicated to protecting our precious pollinators, their habitat, and other natural resources. Sustainable Saratoga volunteers have been growing 1,600 plants for the last 2 months and they are ready for their new homes. The event will be held at Oligny’s Country Gardens, 390 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort. Parking: Across the street at 393 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd. Family friendly but no pets at the event, please. Payment by cash or check preferred. Free soil pH testing by Cornell Cooperative Extension (bring about 1/4 cup of dry soil). Kids’ activities and raffles to win books, gift certificates, plants, and more plus food trucks.

4-H Leaders Scholarship Golf Classic

Saratoga Lake Golf Club, 35 Grace Moore Rd., Saratoga Springs | Join us on Saturday, May 31, in our mission to empower the youth of Saratoga County and help us create meaningful experiences that will shape their futures. Thank you for making a difference—your support is invaluable! Some Major Sponsorships are still available. But don’t forget we welcome in-kind gifts of raffle baskets and gift certificates that can get your business out on the course! If you have any questions, contact Greg Stevens at the 4-H office at 518-885-8995 or grs9@cornell.edu.

Annual Garage and Bake Sale

The Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter annual sale is on Sunday, June 1 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Italian American War Veteran, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The event will be held rain or shine. Donations may be dropped off on Saturday, May 31 from 1 – 4 p.m. Suggested items: linens, glassware, pots & pans, knick-knacks, jewelry, tools, toys, small furniture, lamps, books, baby items, choldren’s clothing, 3T and under. No computers, TVs or skis. All items must be in good condition. Bake sale donations: cakes, breads, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies, muffins, rolls, candies or your specialty. To volunteer or leave donations call Claudette Farchione at 518-584-7592 or Sharon Drosky at 518-365-0004.

Bingo Fundraiser

Cancer can rob someone of happiness. A small gesture of giving a gift to a patient who is at the end of their rope is our goal.    “A Night Out For You” is a customized experience that will bring them joy and allow patients to have something to look forward to and forget their diagnosis for a few hours.  Please help us keep giving these patients a night out by donating to or attending the Bingo Fundraiser to be held on Sunday, June 1, at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club. Doors open at 2 p.m. with bingo from 3 to 5 p.m.  Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 per person in advance gives you 3 cards to play for 5 games. Additional cards $5/each.  nightoutforyou.org

Festival of Young Artists 

A free community festival on Sunday, June 1 from 2 – 5:30 p.m. Following the theme Wonder – inspired by the work of 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón – the festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free and accessible arts programming for local youth. Featuring students from local schools and organizations, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on stage. As part of the production, original musical composition by festival student, Siyi Guo (Guilderland HS, Grade 12), will premiere on the stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra. This event is free to the community; however, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details.  

Saratoga Race Course Tours

In celebration of the Belmont Stakes, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is thrilled to offer two exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tours of the historic Saratoga Race Course. Join the Foundation on Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. or Sunday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. for a rare opportunity to explore the oldest and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States. Led by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Samantha Bosshart, this special walking tour will take participants through both the public and lesser-known sides of the Saratoga Race Course. Tours begin at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track. Tickets are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.

Saratoga Schools Receive National Music Education Honor for Second Year in a Row

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

Now in its 26th year, the designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate “outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.”

“This honor reflects our district’s deep commitment to the arts and the outstanding efforts of our music educators, students, families, and community partners,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton.

“Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education for many students here at Saratoga Springs, equipping us with skills that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Thomas Bundy, president of the Saratoga Springs High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. “It provides opportunities to collaborate with peers, explore diverse cultures, express ourselves creatively, and build lifelong skills—all while enriching both our school and local community.” 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Saratoga Springs School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.