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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A Guide to October Mischief

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

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

ANNUAL ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW FUNDRAISER

Get ready to do the time warp once more! RISE Housing and Support Services is thrilled to announce the third annual Rocky Horror Picture Show fundraiser happening on Friday, October 25, at 6 p.m., at the Universal Preservation Hall, 125 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. This year, the venue will once again transform into a scene straight out of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mansion, as attendees enjoy a unique and interactive viewing of the cult classic film. The event begins with a special VIP cocktail hour, complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations provided by The Adelphi, an open bar, and live music by Stretch. A brief speaking program then, it’s showtime—get ready for a night of thrilling audience participation! For tickets or more information, visit https://www.riseservices.org/event/rocky-horror-picture-show/

ZOMBIE ZIPS – A NIGHT OF TERROR

Mountain Ridge Adventure, 300 Weatherwax Rd., Schenectady. Your nightmare begins with a corpse-guided tour along a serial killer infested forest to then be hauled into the trees among complete, utter horror. Once in the trees you will be launched in complete darkness … alone, afraid and vulnerable … along a screaming steel cable hundreds of feet along Mountain Ridge Adventure’s awesome Zip Line Park. ZOMBIE ZIP LINING is intended for mature audiences ONLY. Ages 14 and above will be strictly adhered to.  Friday and Saturday nights through October 26. For more information, visit mountainridgeadventure.com 

HAUNTED CORN MAZE

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way thru the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry. Open Dusk until 10 p.m. (last ticket sold 9:15 p.m., no exceptions). For more information, visit Schuylerfarms.com

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

At Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm, you will find a variety of haunted attractions, all full of the scariest monsters and creepiest creatures you can dream up. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, and they’re sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Featuring multiple haunted attractions for the price of one! Farmer’s Haunted House, Field of Screams, Underground Tunnel, 3D McCobb Manor. Forest of Fear. Screams begin at 7 p.m. Last admission sold at 9:30 p.m. Farm closes after all guests have completed Nightmares. Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road Schaghticoke, NY 12154. 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! Check out Return of Mummy’s Curse, The Crypt, Insanity, Condemned Manor, and more, including the “Walking Trail of Terror.” Field of Horrors is not recommended for children under 10. Strobe lights are in use throughout the premises. All fog machine liquid is water based. This is not a handicap accessible facility. October 11-13: 6:30 – 11 p.m, October 18-20, October 25-27, November 2 (Extreme Scare Night): 6 – 11 p.m. Gates close at 11 p.m. and you need at least 2 hours to get through all attractions. For more information, visit fieldofhorrors.com.

HAUNTED HAYRIDE 

Each wagon has a narrator on board to guide the way through the darkness. Around each and every corner there’s a frightful scene and behind each and every tree lurks an uninvited guest waiting for you! The woods are filled with terror and surprise, an atmosphere sure to make you scream. At the conclusion of the hayride, your journey will continue on foot into Brutality, a post-apocalyptic compound. Then, you’ll come to Blood Moon Farm (see what lurks among the rows!). Next up is The Last Inn, a residence that is known for a disappearing guest or two and a vicious staff. Then enter the Doom County FEARgrounds, a carnival where there will be no fun and games. Your destination is Slaughter Swamp, a dangerous environment straight out of the bayou. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. October 11-13, October 18-20, October 24-27, and October 31 – November 2. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tours

Thursday, October 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m. A unique 90-minute guided trolley tour of numerous ghostly locations in Saratoga, including the second floor of the famed Canfield Casino. Pursue the stories of Saratoga that make the city a portal of paranormal activity. Led by local historian Charlie Kuenzel, the stories are derived from research by noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators.  Get on board for a fun filled evening of eerie entertainment! Join us if you dare! Advanced reservations only.  Due to the macabre material, this tour is recommended for adults only. For their safety, please leave your pets at home. No food or alcoholic beverages on board the trolley – water only please! You’ll be transported in the comfort of a beautiful trolly but please dress according to the season –costumes are welcomed! Please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

3rd Annual Witch Walk & Dance

An exciting community event blending fun, philanthropy, and Halloween spirit, returns to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 19. Hosted by Witch Walk SOSA (Southern Saratoga), this event will raise crucial funds to support local animal rescue efforts while offering participants a magical day filled with entertainment, costumes, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear their best witch costumes and join the enchanting walk and dances through downtown Saratoga Springs. The festivities will begin at 37 High Rock Ave, Lower-Level Parking Garage, and culminate in a lively celebration featuring local vendors, live performances, and Halloween-themed activities. For full details about participation, donations, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.discoversaratoga.org/witch-walk-sosa/ or contact Phaedra aka Wylda “Head Witch” at witchwalksosa@gmail.com or 518-882-9286.

Greenfield Fall Festival 

October 20 at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners. The free event includes an Oktoberfest 5K at 10 a.m. (register at skireg.com) and is followed by a full afternoon including trick or treating to decorated golf carts sprinkled on the course, Giant Pumpkin and donut eating contests, live music, food specials, a live animal show and more. The afternoon festivities are from 1 to 5 p.m. Interested businesses, families and other groups may reserve a golf cart to decorate and handout candy. Call 518-893-7432, ext. 307 to reserve a cart and participate in the fun. No registration is necessary to attend the free event.

Twilight Greenridge Cemetery Tour

“Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences”. Join tour leader Gloria May to get in the spooky Halloween spirit by exploring Greenridge Cemetery at dusk. This tour meets at the Sackett Gate entrance on Lincoln Avenue, Saratoga Springs, at 5 p.m. on October 22. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, require walking and standing on varied terrain and are held rain or shine. 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. Foundation Members with stroll passes must call the office in advance to reserve their spot.  For additional information on this autumn stroll or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit the website saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.

ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE FOR CHARITY

The Fraternal Order of Eagles #2486’s Annual Haunted House is back on Friday, October 25, 6 -10 p.m. and Saturday, October 26 from 5 – 10 p.m. at 80 Main St., South Glens Falls.  Admission is free but donations are encouraged to help local charities and families in need. Don’t be a Scaredy Cat, bring your friends and family for a scary good time! 

STILLWATER FALL FETIVAL

Saturday, October 26, Noon – 4 p.m. Various locations in Stillwater. Walk through the Village while trick-or-treating and playing games for free! Some organizations have food, some have snacks, all have the goodies! Make sure to come in costume and bring your crowd-friendly animals too! Haunted firehouse, Trunk-or-Treat, and so much more!

TRUNK & TREATS

A free event hosted at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs, October 26, 2 – 5 p.m. Trucks from local businesses will roll down to the education center at 15 Henning Road in Saratoga Springs, gather in the parking lot and give out treats to the public. Additional food items will be available for purchase. Back hoes, excavators, dump trucks, cement trucks, ladder truck, tow plow and tractor trailers will be some of the many types of trucks on display. WSWHE BOCES alumni and staff will also participate by decorating their vehicles. For more information about the event, email SBitzer@dwswheboces.org. 

Annual Boo2You Halloween Festival

Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. Children and their grown-ups are encouraged to attend in costume to trick-or-treat and enjoy the festivities. This event is rain or shine, unless the weather is unsafe.  Activities include trick-or-treating at downtown storefronts and along the sidewalks, live dance performances by local dance groups, music by DJ Young Pete, free pony rides and more! The majority of the action will take place along Glen and Ridge Streets, and in City Park, all in Downtown Glens Falls. 

Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino

Join our ghost tours on October 30, 5 – 7 p.m., for a spine-tingling journey! Step into the Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs’ most haunted and historic landmark, for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget! Historic and Haunted: The Canfield Casino isn’t just any old building—it’s one of the most haunted places in America! Featured on Ghost Hunters and named the 4th Most Terrifying Place in America by the Travel Channel, this is where history and the paranormal collide. Eerie Atmosphere: Feel the chills as you explore darkened corridors and shadowy corners where the spirits of the past still linger. The very air inside seems to whisper of untold stories and ghostly encounters. Tours are limited and sell out quickly, so don’t wait! For just $25 per person, you can embark on a journey through the haunted halls of the Canfield Casino. Pick your preferred time slot and get ready for a hauntingly unforgettable experience.

FRIGHT FEST

Fright by Night – Be very afraid. We’ve heightened the fright this year at Six Flags. Come if you dare. No costumes for guest over the age of 12. For days, times and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest

Boo Fest by Day

Explore spooky fun for all ages every Saturday and Sunday through October 27. Family favorite coasters and park rides in the daylight,  trick-or-treating around the park and activities while exploring what the park has to offer. Free admission for kids under 2 yrs. old. https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest

Super 400 at The Strand on Saturday Night

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Super 400, live at the Strand Theatre Oct. 19.  

HUDSON FALLS — Super 400, The Switch, and NewellProg will perform at The Strand Theatre 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. 

Super 400 recorded their most recent full-length, ‘Sweet Fist,’ at legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and followed the release with their biggest US tour. The band first formed in Troy in the 1990s. 

Tickets are $15 general admission and are available at the Strand Box Office; cash or check only. Online tickets at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, go to www.mystrandtheatre.org. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls. 

Free Pop-Up Health Clinic for the Creative Community at Caffè Lena Sunday

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Free Pop-Up Health Clinic for the creative community Oct. 20.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Medical professionals from Saratoga Hospital and community organizations will provide testing, evaluation, health & wellness education, as well as assistance obtaining access to ongoing care during a one-day pop-up health clinic Sunday, Oct. 20 at Caffe Lena. 

The clinic takes place 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and services are available free of charge to anyone in the creative community – including artists, musicians, designers, photographers, filmmakers, writers, and all others who work in a creative capacity and live in the Saratoga region.

The clinic was initiated three years ago through the vision of Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center nurse and musician Jill Burnham RN, BCEN of “Mark and Jill Sing the Blues.” The goal is to enable individuals in the creative community who are uninsured or underinsured to access healthcare in a trusted environment so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Available services will include:

Vision Screenings and Free Eyewear/Sight and Sound Vision Care

Insurance Navigation Services

Connection to Primary Care Services/Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center

Narcan Training & Distribution

Blood Pressure Screenings

Nutrition Services

Cancer Screening Program

Hearing Screenings 

For more information, including registration, go to: https://www.caffelena.org/health-clinic/. 

Drag Brunch Sunday at UPH in Saratoga Springs

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Proctors Collaborative presents a “dragtacular brunch experience” at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, Oct. 20. 

Local favorite Mo’Glamazon will host two performances of the Drag Me to Brunch – at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – and will feature popular drag queens Mrs. Kasha Davis, Darienne Lake, Naysha Lopez and Brita Filter – all seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Patrons will be able to choose from a large array of small brunch plates provided by Putnam Market. 

In February, UPH will be celebrating gay icon Chappell Roan as well as similar artists like Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and more featuring DJ RVMBA. This Feminomenon will be in the Great Hall at UPH 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. Costumes are encouraged for the Chappell Roan costume contest and patrons can also participate in the Picture You photo booth, glitter bar and raffle where proceeds will go to a local charity. 

Tickets are on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online by visiting proctorscollaborative.org. The UPH season is sponsored by Bonacio.

Local Author Pens Horror Novel in Time for Halloween: The Girl In The Whispers  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —David K. Wilson, author of the popular Sam Lawson Mystery series, has released a new psychological thriller — just in time for Halloween.

 “The idea for this book has literally haunted me for years,” Wilson said in a statement. “It was first conceived as a movie and was close to production when the pandemic shut everything down. It was then that I decided to turn it into a novel. And, since Halloween is my favorite time of year, it’s only fitting that I release it now.”  

 “The Girl in the Whispers,” is the ninth novel by the Saratoga Springs resident, and his first foray into psychological thrillers. 

Wilson is known for his popular Sam Lawson Mystery series, and earlier this year, released “Murder in Spa City,” in which the detective Sam Lawson brings his Texas charm to Saratoga Springs.

“The Girl in the Whispers” tells the story of the emotionally fragile Catherine Devereux, who hears troubling whispers that escalate into ghostly visions, revealing a terrifying secret that could tear her family apart. 

The book was published Oct. 1. 

Spring Street Gallery Call for Art – Deadline 11/11

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spring Street Gallery has announced an open call for an upcoming group exhibition focused on the diverse world of abstract art. Artists are invited to submit their works that push the limits of imagination, challenge traditional forms, and explore the intangible.

The theme of this call is Abstract Art – any interpretation or style is welcome, including but not limited to non-representational, geometric, minimalistic, or expressionist works. The Call is open to all mediums, including but not limited to painting, sculpture (must be able to hang on a wall), photography, digital art, and mixed media.

Artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply. Artists must be 18 or older to apply and live within a 100-mile radius of Saratoga Springs. Space is limited. Please note that the exhibit is family friendly. 

Submissions are due November 11, 2024. For guidelines and to submit your work go to www.springstreetgallerysaratoga.org. Spring Street Gallery is located at 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs.

Schuylerville Football Coach Celebrates 100 Wins

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Schuylerville football coach John Bowen poses with a 100 win ball alongside his family. Photo via the Schuylerville Central School District. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Varsity Football Head Coach John Bowen was honored for his 100th Schuylerville win during the homecoming game last Friday.

During Coach Bowen’s tenure, the Black Horses won four sectional championships, including three in a row from 2019 to 2021. During those years, the teams won 29 out of 31 games. Coach Bowen has also led Schuylerville to three state finals in 2015, 2019, and 2021.

He was presented with a 100th win ball by Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman and High School Principal James Ducharme, and accompanied by his family on the field.

Local Judoka Wins Bronze in Montenegro

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25-year-old Ari Berliner from the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville won a 66 kg bronze medal at the Podgorica European Cup in Montenegro last month. He finished 6-1 on the day. Berliner is currently ranked #55 in the world at 66 kg. Photo provided by Jason Morris.

Scores & Highlights: 10/10 – 10/16

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Skidmore’s Ella Stone scored the game-winning goal against Rensselaer on Saturday to keep the Thoroughbreds undefeated on the year. Photo by Matt Milless/Skidmore Athletics.

Blue Streaks Destroy Albany in Thursday Night Football

The Saratoga Springs varsity football team beat Albany on Thursday night, 29 to 0. The Blue Streaks wasted no time, scoring 13 points right out of the gate. In the second quarter, they added another touchdown to make the score 22-0 at the half. They added one more TD in the final quarter for good measure, sealing Albany’s fate. Saratoga is now 5-1 on the season and 4-1 (3rd place) in Section 2 AA. They’ll be back under the Friday night lights on October 18 in an away game against Guilderland.

Schuylerville Soccer Notches Two More Shutouts

The Schuylerville Black Horses earned two more shutouts on Friday and Saturday after defeating Gloversville 3-0 and Greenwich 4-0. Against Gloversville, the Horses scored all three of their goals in the second half. Cayden Morris and Brady Baker both scored their first career goals. Nate Lanfear also scored while Alex Renner picked up 2 assists. Against Greenwich, Asher Harrison recorded his 8th shutout of the year while Alex Renner, Colden Harrison, Matt Delassio, and Nate Lanfear each scored one goal apiece.

Blue Streaks Beat Ballston in Girls Soccer Match

The Saratoga Springs girls varsity soccer squad beat Ballston Spa 2 to 1 last Saturday at home. For the Blue Streaks, Emma Murray scored in the first half off an assist from Keegan Reinhart and Lucia DeVito. In the second half, Maggie Zito scored the Scotties’ lone goal before Murray  again found the net only 30 seconds later to give Saratoga the win. The Blue Streaks improved to 10-2-1 overall on the season and 7-2-1 in their league.

Saratoga Field Hockey Beats Shen in Overtime

The Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team defeated Shenendehowa 1-0 in overtime on Monday. Emilia Hall had the winning score for the Blue Streaks. The team improved to 7-5 on the season and have two more games scheduled against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Shaker on October 16 and 18, respectively.

Skidmore Women’s Soccer Team Remains Undefeated

Skidmore Senior Ella Stone played hero on senior day, scoring the go-ahead goal to lead the women’s soccer team to a 1-0 shutout victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday afternoon. The victory continued the Thoroughbreds’ undefeated season. They now stand at 8-0 on the year. Following the game, the program honored its 2024 senior class of Stone, Chloe Binder, Ashley Downes, Liz Foley, Kyra Russman-Araya, and Abby Sturim. Skidmore will next continue its three-game home stand on Friday by hosting the Rochester Institute of Technology for the annual Stable Game at 4 p.m.

Skidmore Tennis Teams Wrap Up Fall Season

The Skidmore College women’s tennis team completed its fall season last weekend with three days of action at the Middlebury Panther Challenge. Against Trinity, the teams of Coco Prokop/Juliette Ceas and Mia Sarzynska/Katelyn Corpuz had wins with scores of 6-2 and 6-1, respectively. The Thoroughbreds will return to competition in February with the start of dual season.

The men’s tennis team also wrapped up its season with a pair of doubles quarterfinals and singles consolation matches on day two of the Skidmore Open on Sunday. Sophomore Adel Aissaoui won the Adirondack consolation bracket after defeating Golan Geoff of Bowdoin 6-2, 6-4 in the Semifinals, before then being awarded the finals win over Wesleyan’s Jex Frankel due to his opponent forfeiting the round. The men’s team will next be on the courts in the spring for the dual season.

Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale Earns Nearly $4 Million

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Hip 301 topped all sales at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall event, coming in at $230,000. Photo via Fasig-Tipton. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale netted nearly $4 million on Tuesday at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs. 146 horses were sold in total, with first-crop weanling sires accounting for seven of the top eight sales.

The biggest sale was Hip 301, a filly from the first crop of record-setting Haskell S. (G1) winner Cyberknife, which sold for $230,000. The dark bay or brown filly was consigned by Gracie Bloodstock, agent for Waldorf Farm. Out of the winning D’wildcat mare D’fashion, hip 301 is a half-sibling to five winners, including graded stakes placed multiple stakes winner Strategic Dreams (Archarcharch). The filly was bred in New York by Dr. Jerry Bilinski.

Other top sales included:

° Hip 252, a filly by Good Magic out of Ardara, sold for $180,000 to No Money No Honey from the consignment of Vinery Sales, agent. The bay filly is a half-sister to six winners, including multiple Grade 2 winner Miss Marissa (He’s Had Enough). Hip 252 was bred in New York by Mill Creek Farm & Fortune Farm.

° Hip 125, a filly from the first crop of Preakness S. (G1) winner Early Voting, sold for $150,000 to Mandalay Stables from the consignment of Sequel New York, agent. The bay filly is out of the winning Ghostzapper mare Owl Moon, dam of four winners including stakes placed Blue Strike (Smart Strike) and hails from the immediate family of Grade 1 winner Stormy Lucy. Hip 125 was bred in New York by Sequel Thoroughbreds & Tuscany Bloodstock.

° Hip 6, a colt from the first crop of multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Jack Christopher, sold for $140,000 to Mad Dog from the consignment of The New Hill Farm. The chestnut colt is out of stakes winner and 100% winner-producer Fairway Road, whose six winners include graded stakes winner Just Grazed Me (Grazen). Hip 6 was bred in New York by The New Hill Farm.

° Hip 28, a filly from the first crop of champion Corniche out of Happy As You Go, sold for $137,000 to Mad Dog from the consignment of The New Hill Farm. The bay filly is the first foal out of her multiple stakes winning dam, from the immediate family of Grade 1 winning millionaire Boisterous. Hip 28 was bred in New York by The New Hill Farm.

The average sale price was about $27,000 and the median sale price was $15,000.