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Saratoga Bridges Hosts 24th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K and 10K on Sept. 28


Saratoga Bridges hosts its 24th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10k and Kids Fun Run on Sept. 28. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges hosts its 24th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10k and Kids Fun Run at the Columbia Pavilion at the Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. 

This is a family-friendly and wheel-friendly event for all ghosts and ghouls, and registration is open for $25 per runner ($10 for the Kids’ Fun Run). On Sept. 16, registration increases to $30 per runner and online registration closes on Sept. 24. To register go to: www.saratogabridges.org and click on fundraising events, then click on Great Pumpkin Challenge.

The first 1,200 registrants will receive a moisture-wicking long sleeve t-shirt and first dibs on the delicious baked goods, fruits, and treats, donated by local businesses and our very own residential houses. The day will also include costumes, a pumpkin decorating contest, prizes, and an award ceremony for the overall winners and the top runners in each age group. 

The 5K and 10K races will begin at 9:30. Following the race, there will be a pumpkin decorating contest, a Kids Fun Run, and an awards ceremony featuring the overall winner and top runners in each age group. 

The Great Pumpkin Challenge is the last of Saratoga Bridges’ four annual fundraising events. Funds raised from the run will directly benefit Saratoga Bridges’ Family Support Services for individuals with developmental disabilities being cared for by family members in Saratoga County. Sign up for our emails at: www.saratogabridges.org/email-list/. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Challenge, contact Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723 or via email at info@saratogabridges.org. 

Saratoga 2024 Summer Meet:$804 Million Wagered, 1 Million in Attendance

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Labor Day that during the 2024 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, about $804 million was generated in all-sources wagering, with more than 1 million people in attendance. 

The 2024 all-sources handle increased by about $4 million compared to last year, while attendance declined slightly by around 50,000. Average daily attendance also declined a bit, from 27,642 last year to 26,951 in 2024.

On August 9, a full day of racing was canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby, impacting some of this year’s figures

Saratoga Bridges Event Raises $42K at the Travers Day 


Jane Mastaitis, CEO (center right), poses with husband Steve and Steve Rowland with wife Christine. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Bridges, a chapter of the Arc New York, raised over $42,000 at their Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course. 

The event, held at the Easy Goer Dining Area in the Clubhouse, featured premium seating, a delicious buffet, a complimentary Post Parade program and a special, horse-themed gift from Saratoga Bridges. Sponsors for the event included the Family Dentistry Group of New York at the “For the Win” Sponsorship level and UKG at the “Auction” Sponsor level. 

Saratoga Bridges serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Saratoga County. Money raised from these fundraising events goes towards traditionally underfunded programs, including their Family Support Services. 

Saratoga Bridges’ event season will wrap up with the family-friendly Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run. For more information on the Great Pumpkin challenge or to register, visit www.saratogabridges.org or contact Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723 or via email at info@saratogabridges.org. 

Darlene Love to Headline Equine Advocates’ 23rd Annual Gala Sept. 28


Darlene Love will headline Equine Advocates’ 23rd Annual Gala. 

CHATHAM — Legendary music icon Darlene Love will headline Equine Advocates’ 23rd Annual Gala on Saturday, Sept. 28. 

The event will take place at PS21: Center for Contemporary Performance, a 300-seat open-air pavilion theater in Chatham.

“What will be unique about her appearance at our event is the ability of the audience to see her in a small and intimate venue where every seat is great,” Susan Wagner, President and Founder of Equine Advocates, said in a statement.

Love is best known for a string of hit songs that includes “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”

Prior to Love’s performance, audience members will have the opportunity to bid on five live auction experiences, including two third-row tickets to see Taylor Swift at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Nov. 14, and a two-night stay at the luxurious Fairmont Royal York Hotel located within walking distance of the concert venue.

Tickets to see Darlene Love are $250/person, Live Auction & Pre-Performance Cocktail Party VIP tickets are $500/person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Equine Advocates 2024 Gala Fundraiser at https://www.equineadvocates.org/2024-gala-fundraiser/. 

Equine Advocates is a national non-profit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. The organization operates a sanctuary in Chatham, NY, providing a safe haven for rescued equines. The proceeds from this fundraiser will support the care of the 77 rescued equines and six retired U.S. Army Caisson Horses residing at the sanctuary. Additionally, the funds will aid in the rescue of other slaughter-bound, abused, and neglected equines.

Fall Back To Spring (Street) – Fifth Annual Front Porch Music Fest Sept. 14

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 5th annual Front Porch Music Fest will take place 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 on Spring Street, Court Street to Nelson Avenue, in Saratoga Springs. 

The event is free and open to the public and features an afternoon of regional favorite musicians playing on more than 15 front porches on  Spring Street, which will be blocked off between Court St. & Nelson Ave. for the event.

The family-friendly BYO Chair fun event will include music by: Country Converts (Will Capuano & friends), Hayley Stafford, Juniper, Kate Stand, Mark & Jill Sing the Blues, Marty Brown, Matt O’Rourke, Natalie Krugan, Ragged Company (Josh Clark & Julie Stuart), Rich Silby, Seth Warden & Lovella, Shine On! (Richard Clements, & Bob Egielski & Sharon Dwyer Bolton), Tim Wechgelaer, Two Shoes (Don Hoffman & Sean Cohan), and Zac Rossi & Brendan Dailey. 

New at The Tang: Exhibition Provides A Platform For The Open Exchange Of Ideas

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College presents a new exhibition, Establish, Insure, Provide, Promote: Election 2024, opening on Sept. 9 with the annual Constitution Day Lecture. The exhibition will be on view through Dec. 15. 

The exhibition features a large stage for all kinds of gatherings, including talks, debates, class meetings, student club activities, and more. Photographs of US flags from the Tang collection will be on view. The exhibition also includes a series of large display boards that will be updated throughout the semester, serving as educational hubs for contemporary issues, news, and updates. 

Monday, September 9, 5  pm  – Constitution Day Lecture with Susan McWilliams Barndt. Susan McWilliams Barndt, professor of politics at Pomona College, gives a talk, “A Tale of Two Liberalisms: Desegregating American Political Thought.”

Wednesday, September 18, 6 pm  – Environmental Studies and Sciences Keynote Lecture with Maggie Thomas. Maggie Thomas, Special Assistant to the President for Climate and Senior Adviser for Strategic Planning in the White House Climate Policy Office, gives a talk, “Historic Progress from the Biden-Harris Climate Agenda: Past, Present, & Future.”

Friday, September 27–Sunday, September 29 –  Are We All Fundamentalists?: A Salmagundi 60th Anniversary Conference . Scholars, writers, and thinkers gather to debate fundamentalism in politics, morals, the arts, and education. 

Tuesday, October 1, 6 pm – Dunkerley Dialogue with Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman & Heather Hurst and A.J. Schneller. The artists in the exhibition Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld in conversation about the environment with Skidmore College professors.

Admission to the Tang and public events is free. For more information, call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit the Tang website at https://tang.skidmore.edu. Visit the Tang website for details about each event and speakers, and a full slate of additional events through 2025. 

Jazz at the Lake Celebrates 40 Years with Three-day Festival, Star-Studded Lineup

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Arts Project celebrates the 40th anniversary of Jazz at the Lake, a free, three-day festival (Sept. 13-15) featuring renowned and rising jazz stars. 

This year’s lineup includes rising star Jahari Stampley, trumpet virtuoso Michael Mayo, GRAMMY-winning artists Ulysses Owens, Linda May Han Oh, Nicole Zuraitis, Danilo Perez, and many more. The festival also showcases local favorites, offering a vibrant mix of styles throughout the weekend.

“As we celebrate forty years of bringing world-class jazz to Lake George, we are incredibly proud to present a lineup that reflects the festival’s rich history while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Jazz at the Lake has always been a cherished tradition, and this year’s event promises to be our most unforgettable yet,” said Tanya Tobias, Executive Director of the Lake George Arts Project. 

The Festival Kicks-Off Friday Night, Sept. 13 with 2023 First Place winner of the Herbie Hancock International Competition Jahari Stampley – who will perform with his family trio comprised of 7-time GRAMMY Award nominee Erania Stampley and Miguel Russell (drums). 

Local bands remain an essential part of the festival, and on Friday night returning favorites and new artists will be playing at multiple locations around town as part the organization’s Jazz Around Town program. Local artist highlights include The Arch Stanton Trio, Nook & Cranny, Dylan Perillo and Brad Brose, the Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio, and the Chuck Lamb Trio. Partner business include: The Barnsider, The Inn of Lake George, The Caldwell Lake George Library, Gaslight, and The Lagoon.

Since 2019, Jazz at the Lake has evolved from a two-day festival with seven performances to a 4-day experience with 8 shows in Shepard Park, 9 performances in partner locations around the village, and an estimated 4,000-6,000 attendees. 

The full line-up for this year’s Jazz at the Lake through the weekend can be found at: www.lakegeorgearts.org

Celebrated Aussie Guitarist Returns to Saratoga Springs 


Australian guitarist Daniel Champagne performs at Caffe Lena Sept. 26.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Australian guitarist Daniel Champagne will perform Sept. 26 at Caffe Lena as part of an east coast swing through North America. 

Heralded by reviewers as “the finest guitar player of this generation,” and “a leading light in acoustic music,” Champagne grew up on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, picking up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. 

Champagne has independently released 7 studio albums, toured the globe, and shared stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela. 

For more information and tickets, go to: caffelena.org. 

Week of September 6 – September 12, 2024

This Week’s Events:  Sep 6-12

Friday, September 6

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll             

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. This 90-minute guided walking tour will entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of this great city. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this wonderful, gilded period in our history. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – Noon through October, $20 per person. For reservations, please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241. 

Saturday, September 7

New Autumn Stroll, “Lincoln Park”

Meets at the Washington Bathhouse (National Museum of Dance), 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Join Linda Harvey for a stroll through Lincoln Park in Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark. Discover the park’s history from its early carbonic acid plants to the creation of the State Reservation in 1909 and the construction of the Lincoln and Washington Bathhouses in the 1920s. This tour is in partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, a non-profit organization that supports and enhances the park’s historic, natural, and recreational resources. To learn more about the Friends group, please visit https://friendsofsaratogaspastatepark.org/.

Sunday, September 8

Autumn Sunday Stroll: Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut

Meet: the northwest corner of Putnam and Spring Streets at the Hathorn Spring | 10:30 a.m. 

Alexandra explores the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working-class and Jewish families who provided important contributions to the community. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require 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 on the Autumn strolls or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale  

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11-3 p.m.  Admission is free with over 40 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, and lunch.  We offer a variety of shopping with necklace sets, earrings, body lotions, clothing, as well as household items, knitted and crocheted gifts, hand-made items, clothing, Antiques, Vintage items, hand-painted rocks, food treats and just about anything you can imagine may be found here.  New vendors sign up every month. All proceeds go to our local charities.  An 8’ table and chairs are just $15.  Email Debbie at dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).  

14th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show

Curtis Lumber, 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Calling all car and truck enthusiasts! Join us for a fun, family-friendly day at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region. Free to spectate with free parking! Whether you own a classic, a modern marvel, or a custom tuner, all makes and models are welcome to showcase–there’s no cut-off year! Registration for show vehicles is $20 if you pre-register online, or $25 on the day of the show. Enjoy music from DJ Jason of Raven Events, complimentary face painting, balloon twisting, trivia with prizes, a 50/50 raffle benefiting the WTEN/Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection, tasty food trucks, and more. Leashed pets are welcome! For full details visit www.CurtisLumberCarShow.com or find the event on Facebook.   

Annual Chicken BBQ 

St. Therese Chape, Rt 32 & Gansevoort-Wilton Rd., Gansevoort | 11 a.m.  –  4 p.m. (or when sold out)  Dinner includes half a chicken, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, and a homemade dessert.  Dinners $15.00. For Reservations Call 518-792-2276.  Leave name, phone number, # of meals, and pick up time.  No Reservations after 2 p.m.

Annual Chicken BBQ

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove| 3 – 6 p.m. (or until sold out.) Meal includes: 1/2 chicken, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, roll, homemade cookie & lemonade for $15. Drive thru – take out only.  

Miss Jane Pittman

Temple Sinai – Zoom Presentation | 7 p.m. Social justice series and virtual film discussion. 

Join our panel to discuss The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, an award winning, highly acclaimed film drama that hauntingly covers the story of the American experience from the Civil War to the civil rights movement, as told from the memories of a fictional, 110-year-old former slave. The film is available to stream free to subscribers of Kanopy, Peacock and Watch TCM, and can be rented from Amazon and other services. Registration is required at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/sY2viih/MissJanePittman.

Monday, September 9

Vischer Ferry-A Forgotten Crossroads 

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45. Galway Preservation Society will have a brief business meeting at 7 p.m., followed by this month’s program.  Produced by the Saratoga County History Center, written and directed by Jim Richmond, the film traces “…this unique community from its first settlement to the present through interviews with local residents telling the story of this historic hamlet which grew alongside the Erie Canal but remains vibrant to this day.” The meeting will be held at the.  Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  Annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  

Tuesday, September 10

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association Networking Breakfast

State Farm Insurance, 415 Geyser Rd., Ballston Spa | 8 – 9 a.m. The cost to attend is $10. Advanced reservation is welcomed or RSVP to info@ballston.org, and attendees may pay at the door. Payments of cash, check or credit card will be accepted. Both business and community members are welcome, and you do not need to be a BSBPA member to join this event. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed online at www.ballston.org. Membership information will also be available at the event.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Fall Open House

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Come and discover what the Academy is all about. Hear from volunteer course leaders about their 22 fall courses starting the week of October 7. Meet fellow seniors, enjoy a slide show and raffles, socialize, register. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. Let us know you’re attending by emailing Academy Events Chair, Lois Pflomm at lpflomm@yahoo.com. View the fall course catalog at www.allsaratoga.org. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or 518-290-6988.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. Court McLaughlin #422, Members gather at 5:45 p.m. for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments until 6:30 p.m. CDA is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Please join us. Any questions? Contact our Regent Dawn Weber by phone or by text at 518-226-5641.

4-H Beginner Shooting Sports

the 4-H Training Center Ballston Spa | 4 – 7 p.m.  Beginner Shooting Sports Course September 10 to October 15 on Tuesday Evenings. Youngsters will learn the basics of Air Pistol, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun, Archery, and Hunting and Wildlife, with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Personal Responsibility. 

Open to boys and girls 12 years old and older. Fee is just $50. To register: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/SC4HShootingSportsFall2024_241 or contact Leland at glb76@cornell.edu for more information. 

Society of American Magicians Meeting 

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m. The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets the second Tuesday of each month.  We welcome all people, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or pure entertainment to join us for a fun evening.  For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite.com. 

Wednesday, September 11

Remembering 9/11

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 pm. Come join member Barbara Floryshak as she shares her experience working as a first responder in New York City during 9/11. Free and open to the public.

Hudson Crossing Park Walking Tour

One mile north of Schuylerville at Champlain Lock 5 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. Join Hudson Crossing Park Executive Director Kate Morse and resident local historian Mike Biekiewicz for this easy, one mile walk. Kate and Mike will share the history of the First Nations who called the area home. View the site of British General Burgoyne’s “Bridge of Boats” on the way to England’s historic loss during the Battles of Saratoga, and learn about how the Champlain Canal shaped the community and was instrumental in the Underground Railroad. Tour leaders will also discuss the unique challenges of working as environmental stewards along industrialized waterways.

Salisbury Steak Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: Salisbury steak, mushroom burgundy gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, roll, salad. Dinner $15 each (cash only). 

Green Drinks

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. A green gathering for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. 

Meet & Greet the League of Women Voters

Orenda Pavillion, Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Springs | 5:30 – 7 p.m. An opportunity to get introduced to your colleagues and to league committee activities. Food and drinks will be provided. At this festive gathering, learn more about what we do, introduce the League to folks you know who care about making a difference, and indulge in delicious appetizers. Note that the Pavilion has only picnic tables, so you may wish to bring a chair for cvomfort.

Thursday, September 12

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture – LifeWorks Community Action. Help Starts Here

Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez, Executive Director of LifeWorks Community Action (formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council or EOC), will discuss the history, growth and current activities of LifeWorks’ Immigrant Services & Latino Community Advocacy Program. LifeWorks’ Immigrant Services helps immigrants navigate life in a new community by offering immigration legal services, interpreting, referrals and resource navigation, English classes and more. Bilingual, professional staff serve our immigrant neighbors in the Northern Capital region and seasonally at the Saratoga Race Course Backstretch.

Car Seat Check

New Country Toyota of Clifton Park, 202 NY-146, Mechanicville | 4 – 8 p.m. Nationally Certified Technicians and Instructors will educate you on the correct installation of your car seat and how to fit your child correctly in the seat. Appointments are required. No drop-ins. Call Cornell Cooperative Education Saratoga at 518-885-8995. 

Social Security Workshop

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. There will be a free informational education program on Social Security.  The decision when to collect Social Security benefits is often difficult, yet important.  This program will discuss the basics of Social Security and how to apply the information to your own situation to maximize benefits.  Individuals ages 55-70 will want to attend.  Registration is requested at 518-882-6385.  Presented by John Kalil, Financial Advisor.

Skidmore Welcomes Class of 2028


The Skidmore College Class of 2028 gathers at Wachenheim Field on Tuesday. Photo via Skidmore College. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College welcomed its Class of 2028 to campus on Tuesday during New Student Convocation.

The freshmen students, drawn from the most selective applicant pool in Skidmore history (with a 21% admit rate), hail from 34 states and the District of Columbia. They are citizens of 22 countries in addition to the United States. 30% are domestic students of color, 15% are the first in their family to go to college, and more than a fifth are from homes where a language other than English is spoken.

Classes on Skidmore’s campus began Wednesday.