Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Shaken, Stirred, and Celebration: UPH Showdown Marks 10 Years of Cheers for the Arts on May 15 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shaken & Stirred is back for its 10th anniversary. The event brings together talented local business teams to step behind the bar to shake, stir, and serve up friendly competition and community spirit – in support of the Collaborative School of the Arts at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. 

The event invites attendees to support arts education by tipping their favorite bartending team. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Saratoga National Golf Course. 

Last year, the event raised more than $72,000. 

“This event isn’t just about great drinks and friendly competition – it’s about supporting the next generation of artists,” Teddy Foster, director of UPH said in a statement. “The funds raised go directly to the Collaborative School of the Arts, providing young performers, designers and technicians with the resources and training they need to grow and thrive in the arts.” 

The CSOA offers a wide range of educational opportunities across the Capital Region, including workshops, master classes and performance-based programs, helping students of all ages develop their artistic skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. Specifically, at UPH, CSOA brings Rock Camp to the Great Hall, giving young musicians the ultimate band experience, from rehearsals to a live performance. 

Admission to Shaken and Stirred: 10th Anniversary Edition is free, no cover charge. For more information, visit atuph.org or follow UPH on social media. 

Sunnyside Garden Party Supports Secret Gardens Tour May 8

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Secret Gardens kick-off Garden Party will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunnyside Gardens, 345 Church St.

This annual event – billed as a day to socialize and shop for Mother’s Day, and for yourself – is free and open to the public, featuring wine and nibbles courtesy of Sunnyside, raffle baskets, and live background music by Phil Drum. 

The party celebrates and supports Soroptimists of Saratoga County’s upcoming 30th Secret Gardens Tour, which will feature nine gardens in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, June 29. Tour tickets will be available for purchase in May.

Sunnyside donates to Soroptimists a portion of proceeds from sales, including gift cards, during the May 8 event.

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, founded in 1979, is part of a more than 100-year-old global volunteer non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of women and girls. Beneficiaries include Wellspring, the organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse and assisting victims in Saratoga County; a program to develop confidence, leadership skills and open doors for local high school girls; and awards to women heads of household overcoming adversity and furthering their education. 

Visit www.soroptimistsaratoga.org for more information. Email questions to secretgardesninfo@gmail.com

Hadley Hosts Annual Maple in April Fest April 26

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

HADLEY — Sweet Spring Fun will be celebrated with maple goodies for everyone at the 24th annual Maple in April Festival, Saturday, April 26, in Hadley.  

The outdoor, one day, family-fun festival begins with the Scholarship Breakfast featuring French Toast with real maple syrup at 7:30 a.m. 

Throughout the day e-food vendors will offer maple enhanced products, including maple cotton candy, maple cheesecakes, and maple popcorn. 

Events include the Lil’ sugar dust-off Car, Truck and antique Tractor Show, the horse drawn wagon ride through town to the craft and food vendors along Rockwell Street, bounce-houses, dance lessons and caricature portraits. 

For more information, go to: https://www.hadleynybusiness.org/.  

Spa City Rally Draws Large Crowd

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


Hands Off” Rally, view from the steps of City Hall, in Saratoga Springs on April 5, 2024.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

ARATOGA SPRINGS — A large group of people, many of whom carried signs protesting the policies of the Trump administration, gathered in Saratoga Springs on April 5 as part of a “Honk-n-Wave” Hands Off national mobilization day.

Similar mass mobilizations took place across the country, with demonstrations reportedly organized in more than 1,200 locations across all 50 states, including regionally staged rallies in Abany – at West Capitol Park, and the cities of Troy and Glens Falls, among others.  

In Saratoga Springs, a crowd of at least several hundred people gathered in orderly fashion at the four corners of Broadway adjacent to Saratoga Springs City Hall.  

Schuylerville Junior Celebrates Indoor Track Success

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Schuylerville girls varsity runner Meaghan Lynch poses with her medals after breaking two school records at the Beantown Winter Classic in Boston in December. Photo via the Schuylerville Central School District.

CHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School junior Meaghan Lynch recently capped off a successful indoor track season, earning recognition as one of the top athletes in the state. 

Lynch’s crowning achievement this year came at the NYSPHSAA State Championship meet, where she took first place in the long jump with a leap of 19’4.5” — a mark that secured her spot as the 2025 State and Federation Long Jump Champion.

At the Section 2 championships in the Division III level, Lynch earned first place in three events: the 55 meter, the long jump, and the triple jump.

In addition to her state championship win in the long jump, Lynch also competed in the 55-meter dash and the triple jump at the NYSPHSAA Championships. Her result in the 55-meter dash was an 18th-place finish with a time of 7.32 seconds, and in the triple jump, she placed 9th overall, with her best jump measuring 36’8.25”. Furthermore, Lynch represented Schuylerville at the national level, competing in all three of her events at the prestigious New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship.

In an interview posted to the Schuylerville School District website, Lynch shared her excitement about the trajectory of her athletic career. 

“I feel really, really happy about it because in the beginning of the season I was kind of doubting myself, and then I became more confident,” she said. “That’s when my numbers started to get higher or lower in races.” 

Lynch credited her coaches and team for helping her reach new heights. 

“Once you work on your speed, everything else comes along with it,” she said. “Also, the coaches are very good about giving you opportunities to get better. They’ve gotten me into bigger meets that help me work against people that are really good. That definitely pushed me, which I really liked.”

“I’ve been working towards this for several years now, and it feels amazing to finally achieve my goal of qualifying for state and national meets,” Lynch said. “Track is about both individual and team dedication, and I’ve really pushed myself this season to improve. It feels great to see all that hard work pay off.”

XTC Drummer Terry Chambers Live at The Strand This Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


EXTC performs at The Strand April 12. Photo provided.  

HUDSON FALLS — The band EXTC – featuring the music of XTC and the band’s drummer Terry Chambers – will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday April 12 at the Strand Theatre.

Terry Chambers with his band EXTC was named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge.

XTC experienced global success after their emergence in the late ‘70s and toured with the likes of The Police and Talking Heads. 

In 1982 XTC stopped touring to become a studio-based entity. Born in early 2019, EXTC set out to achieve its goals of performing to audiences who had waited so long to hear the XTC back catalogue performed live.

Alongside Chambers, the EXTC line-up features frontman Steve Hampton (lead vocals & guitar – Joe Jackson, The Vapors and Dead Crow Road) and Terry Lines (bass & vocals – The Rams and Dead Crow Road). 

Tickets are $30 general admission and available at the Strand Box Office; cash or check only or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Doors into the lobby, coffee shop and box office open at 6:30 p.m. For the ticketing link, visit www.mystrandtheatre.org. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls. 

Filmmaker Ken Burns : Live in Albany in Advance of Landmark PBS Series,The American Revolution 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Albany, NY — WMHT Public Media hosts a filmmaker event in September featuring award-winning producer and director Ken Burns in conjunction with his latest production, The American Revolution.

The Evening with Ken Burns will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Palace Theater. 

The American Revolution was co-directed by Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and premiers Sunday, Nov. 16 on PBS. Timed with the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, the six-part, 12-hour documentary series explores the country’s founding and its eight-year War for Independence.

The Palace Theater event will feature an intimate conversation with Burns and Botstein, as well as a clip reel from the documentary series, which was in production for eight years and shot at nearly 100 locations, including a number of New York sites that played a critical role in the struggle for independence. 

For tickets to The American Revolution, an Evening with Ken Burns featuring Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, visit wmht.org/kenburns.

April 12 Marks David Cassidy Birthday, A New Plaque and Bench Installed in Congress Park  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Bench and plaque honoring David Cassidy, standing in Congress Park. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new public fixture in Congress Park celebrates the memory of David Cassidy. Saturday marks what would have been his 75th birthday.  

Cassidy was born April 12, 1950, and was a longtime Saratoga Springs visitor and eventual resident.  The popular singer and horseman died in November 2017 at the age of 67. 

Cassidy charted more than one dozen Top 100 hits in the early 1970s, both as a solo artist and in his role as a member of The Partridge Family – whose TV series aired on ABC from 1970 to 1974. 

For several decades, Cassidy was a frequent summer visitor to Saratoga Springs – the city in general and the racecourse specifically, purchasing his first yearling at Fasig-Tipton in 1974. Cassidy eventually purchased a house in the Spa City in 2001.

“This is my favorite place in the world, I played here in ‘72, ‘73, ‘74,” Cassidy said about the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, during a 2008 fundraising gala at the adjacent Hall of Springs. 

The bench fixed with a plaque honoring Cassidy stands in Congress Park just behind the Canfield Casino.  It was recently commissioned by Shelley Murphy and installed and reads, in part: In Loving Memory of David Bruce Cassidy.

April 11 – April 17, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Gurtler Brothers VFW Food Drive

Gurtler Bros. VFW Post 420 is continuing their food drive to benefit VCHC, Veterans & Community and Housing Coalition in Ballston Spa. All non-perishable items are appreciated, especially paper products such as paper towels and bathroom tissue. Items may be dropped off at the VFW, 190 Exclesior Ave, Saratoga Springs. Stop in during business hours. Items may also be dropped off inside the front door by the Flag drop box. Call 518-584-9686 for more information.

Art in Public Places

Art in Public Places is a member exclusive program featuring art exhibitions online and in various locations around the Capital Region. This program gives local and regional artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work while exhibiting in publicly accessible spaces. All artwork is for sale and can be purchased online or over the phone at 518-584-4132. To view the artwork online and for locations, visit saratoga-arts.org.

Genealogy and Local History

Heritage Hunters will meet Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St. in Schuylerville. Beverwcyk Archaeologists, Aaron Gore and Daniel Mazeau, will talk about their work on the Bevier-Elting House that was built in the 1730s on Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. They will cover the house’s history, its community, and the historic district, as well as their archaeological findings. The public is welcome. For information, call 518-885-9309.

Vegetable Gardening Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and Historic Grooms Tavern in Rexford, bring you a Vegetable Gardening Series on April 21, June 26 and/or August 7. You’ll discover the joy and satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this series is packed with vibrant tips and tricks to help you transform your garden into a flourishing paradise. Learn how to prep your soil for success, create the perfect garden layout, and master the art of companion planting. We’ll also delve into essential skills like crop rotation, summer gardening strategies, pest management, and proper watering techniques. As the seasons change, we’ll also guide you through the process of harvesting your bounty and prepping your garden for the cozy winter months ahead. The registration fee is $5 per session. https://ccesaratoga.org/events . 

Celebrate the Power of Hope

Brooks’ BBQ will be cooking on-site at Saratoga Center for the Family on April 22 from 3 – 6 p.m., serving mouthwatering chicken dinners to help raise money as part of our “April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.” Help us give others “The Power of Hope” by purchasing a dinner for yourself, your family, or even your employees. Saratoga Center for the Family works to strengthen children, families, and our community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma, and family dysfunction through advocacy, education and mental health therapy. Your support of this fundraiser will help give others hope; beginning their journey of healing. Meals are to go and include grilled chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, dessert, and bottled water for $15. Preorders encouraged as we will sell out. www.saratogacff.org/events/celebrating-power-hope 

April 11 – April 17, 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, April 11

Fish Fry Friday

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 132 State Route 32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m. Menu: fish fry, chicken tenders, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, buffalo shrimp. All dinners are served with coleslaw, sauce and choice of French fries or onion rings. Extras: Jalapeno poppers, mozzarella strips, bowl or quart of clam chowder (Manhattan or New England). Beverages available. Eat in at the club or call ahead for takeout at 518-695-3917.

Moonlight Hike

Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Interested in seeing the Preserve at night? View nature in a new light as we walk the trails in the moonlight. An unforgettable experience for ages 5+.  This program is made possible by the support of Brookfield Renewable. If you can’t make it on Friday, join us on Saturday, April 12.

Saturday,
April 12

Workday for SoBro Conservancy 

209 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – Noon. SoBro Conservancy will be prepping new garden beds for our big May planting day.  Volunteers like you will be moving topsoil and compost to build up berms in which we will later plant several hundred native plants.  Ready for spring and want to help?  Please send us an email at garden@sobroconservancy.org.  

Easter Bake Sale and Craft Show

St. George Church Parish Center, corner of 55 Main and Second Streets, South Glens Falls | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Featuring Syrian, Greek, Romanian, American desserts and breads: pastries including baklava, cookies, cakes, pies, sweet breads, Syrian pita bread, as well as several talented crafters! Cash and credit cards accepted. Free parking and admission. For more information, call the church at 518-792-2359.

Random Acts of Poetry Writing Workshop

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 9:30 – 11 a.m. The Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts and SCHC at Brookside Museum invite you to join the Random Acts of Poetry Writing Workshop. Come and share a love of poetry and learn more about the craft of writing poetry. The event will be led by Elaine Handley. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The workshop is free to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org

Day of Celebration: Portraits, Play & Progress

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. Join SCHC in the unveiling of Portraiture: Faces and Legacies, a new exhibit featuring stunning portraits from our collection, including rarely displayed pieces. We’re also thrilled to announce the grand opening of the History Hunters Hangout, a dynamic, interactive space for children and families to engage with history through hands-on activities, creative play, and games. Take this opportunity to also meet and welcome Suzanne Maloney, our new Executive Director. Refreshments will be served as we celebrate these exciting Brookside milestones together. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org

Brooks BBQ 

Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton | 3 – 6 p.m. – Take out only. The menu includes half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw and roll. Cost: $15. Pre-orders are recommended by calling 518-727-8573 or 518-584-9107 or email trinityumcglen@gmail.com. Accepting cash payment at time of dinner pickup or Venmo.

Ballston Area Seniors Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. River Road Boys Band will be playing. All dances are open to the public, adults only. Donation $7.00. 

Sunday, April 13

All You Can Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu: Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits, and sausage gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Donations: $12 adults, $10 seniors 55+, $10 military and 1st responders, $8 children 6 – 12, kids under 6 free. 

Cornhole Tournament

Saratoga Winery, 426 NY Route 29, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. April is Earth Month and we’re celebrating with a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser.  Grab a cornhole partner and sign-up. For more information, visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org. 

Monday, April 14

The Heritage Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine St., Saratoga Springs |12 Noon. The Heritage Garden Club is a nonprofit garden club devoted to promoting flowers and plants, and civic improvements throughout Saratoga Springs. Guest speaker will be Wendy Mahaney, longtime former volunteer of Sustainable Saratoga, presenting a program on, “Lose the Lawn – Create a Pollinator Paradise.”  The meeting is open to the public. New members are always welcome. You don’t have to have a green thumb to join our garden club. If interested, contact Florence at 518-256-3141.

Tuesday, April 15

Brookside Museum Celebrated 50 Years 

Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. Presented by Dave Waite in November of 2024, Saratoga County History Center celebrated this milestone with the video “Bringing History to Life: Fifty Years of Brookside Museum.” which presents the story of the museum through the words of those who have been involved, both since the beginning and into today. Dave Waite will be showing this twenty-five minute video at the meeting.  Come at 6:30 p.m. and go to the Town Hall to see the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal display. Display will be there through April 18 during regular Town Hall hours.  

Wednesday,
April 16

Historian Tea Talks: Women of the Saratoga Campaign

Brookside Museum, Long Room, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 p.m. Discover the stories of a dozen women who endured the hardships of war and left their indelible mark on local and national history. Hosted by Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Historian, Saratoga County. Tea and cookies will be served. Space is limited, so registration is appreciated. There is a suggested donation of $5 for each talk, which may be made online or on the day of the event. For more information as well as registration please visit our website at https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/

Baked 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, vegetables, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. $15 (cash only). 

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m.  A presentation of, “How NASA Gets Those Colorful Pictures”, with Jim Witte as the presenter.  The club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older).  Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.  This group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  New members are welcome.

Thursday,
April 17

HYBRID: Daytime Book Group: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan  

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world in 2016 and turned toward the peace of the natural world in her yard, specifically, the birds that visited. She crafted a journal of thoughtful entries and sketches based on what she saw and experienced. Attend in person or on ZOOM. Registration required only for those attending on ZOOM. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Saratoga Turftalkers Meeting

Nemer Chrysler Jeep Conference Room, 617 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback. Our local club, Saratoga Turftalkers meets the first and third Thursday of each month.  It is a perfect learning environment for anyone preparing for a career, advancing a career, or just looking to become a better communicator and leader. For more information, visit  https://www.toastmasters.org/ https://saratogaturftalkers.toastmastersclubs.org or email, Jbunk1342@gmail.com