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Best of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Award Winners; People’s Choice Awards; Over 3,000 Tour the Homes!


Patrick Mulvihill, Mike Urvalek, Jesse Boucher, Justin Sitler, John Witt, Mark Johnson, Chris Abele, Geoff Brooks, Peter Belmonte, Amanda Done, Soula Tsitos, Margaret DePaulo. Photo by Cathleen V. Duffy.

The area’s premiere new home tour, the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes was proudly presented over two beautiful fall weekends this year on October 4-5 and October 11-12. This year’s edition featured 12 extraordinary homes from 10 award-winning builders on display.  Participating builders in this year’s event; Abele Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies, Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Urvalek Builders and Witt Construction.

Thank you to the many generous corporate & media sponsors, showcase builders and suppliers, showcase committee, volunteers and especially the over 3000 visitors who purchased tickets to tour these amazing homes in support of this spectacular fall tradition. 

All the builder awards were announced at the Showcase Awards Presentation & Celebration held on October 8.  

This year’s “People’s Choice” awards went to Abele Homes for Classic Home; DeGraff Bloom Custom Homes for Executive Home; Urvalek Builders for Luxury Home; Witt Construction for Estate Home. Thank you to all the builders for your dedication and congratulations to the 2025 Showcase of Homes Award Winners!

The announcement and presentation of the donations to our two local charities from the proceeds of this annual event will be held in early November.

Celebrating its 29th year, this annual community event has contributed over $1.6 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org). For more details on the recently concluded 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event and to view virtual tours of the homes, visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. SAVE THE DATES for the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes scheduled for October 3-4 and October 10-11.

Congrats to the 2025 Showcase of Homes Award Winners!

Saratoga Comic Con Expands

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Comic Con will return to the Spa City on Nov. 22-23 with an expanded event that will now be housed in both the City Center and the Saratoga Hilton.

The two-day convention will feature a lineup of performers and artists, including:

• Steven Ogg, voice of Revor Phillips in “Grand Theft Auto V” and Simon in “The Walking Dead”;

• Ned Luke, voice of Michael De Santa in “Grand Theft Auto V”;

• Shawn Fonteno, voice of Franklin Clinton in “Grand Theft Auto V”;

• Jay Klaitz, voice of Lester Crest in “Grand Theft Auto V” and played The Whizzer in “Jessica Jones”;

• Blake Foster, Blue Turbo Power Ranger in 45 episodes of “Power Rangers Turbo”;

• Daniel Pesina, Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Subzero, Reptile from “Mortal Kombat”;

• Guest artists Robert Bruno, Daniel Khanna, and Jay Mooers;

• Cosplay guest artists Haunted Cosplay, Resident Evil Cosplay Troop, THE LAST BLACK MOON, Jennard Cosplays, GMX Cosplay, Harley Nox Cosplay, James Cosplay, Venus Nebulous, Breadbite Cosplay, Sydstar Cosplays, Julia Rose Cosplays, Curling Cosplays, Slime Enigma Cos, Kieth Jackson, and Hudson Valley Ghostbusters.

The show floor will include more than 290 vendor and artist tables, Super Smash Bros. tournaments, cosplay contests, panels, events, tattooing, and more.

For additional information, visit www.saratogacomiccon.com.

October 31 – November 6 , 2025 – A Guide to October Mischief

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

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

HAUNTED CORN MAZE

The Haunted Corn Maze at Schuyler Farms is Back! Dare to enter the Schuyler Farms Haunted Corn Maze, where your worst nightmares lurk around every corner. As the sun sets over the fields, the maze transforms into a twisted trail of terror filled with horrifying surprises, creepy creatures, and spine-chilling screams. Friday & Saturday Nights in October with live actors, special effects, and all-new scares for 2025!  Food, drinks & fun await before and after the fright! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just love a good scare, the Haunted Maze at Schuyler Farms is the must-visit Halloween event in the Capital Region. But beware… once you enter, there’s no turning back. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. 

Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. Last 2 nights October 31 – November 1. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

October 31 – November 6 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Craft Sale 

Join us at St. Michaels Church of South Glens Falls on Friday, November 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a wonderful Holiday Craft Show.  There will be over 50 crafters, raffle baskets, a bake sale and cafe.  Santa Clause is also going to be there for the children to visit. The church is located at 80 Saratoga Ave, South Glens.  Phone: 518-792-5859. The sale is held by St. George’s Rosary Alter Society.  Stop by and do some Christmas Shopping! Great parking is available too.

Pumpkin Smash! with Community Compost

Saturday, November 8 at 2 – 4 p.m. Pitney Meadows Community Farm, located at 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Let’s turn your pumpkins into something good! Join us for Pumpkin Smash — recycle your seasonal pumpkins and gourds with our Community Compost program’s vertical drum system. Bring your pumpkins, smash ‘em, and help divert food waste from the landfill.  

Dan Navarro Concert

The concert will be held with Jesse Lynn Madera on November 8 at Caffe Lena at 8 p.m.  followed by a songwriter’s workshop on November 9 at 1 p.m. Songwriting and the Creative Muse – a three-hour workshop with Dan Navarro, covering the foundations of creativity through songwriting, including song structures, storytelling and thematic arc, complexity vs simplicity and other useful concepts to hone and enhance your creativity. Critiques provided upon request. For all levels. For more information visit caffelena.org. 

Antique Fishing Expo

NFLCC presents the Antique Fishing Expo at the Holiday Inn, located at 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

The event will be held on Saturday November 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 Admission, Veterans and kids 16 and under are Free/ Largest Fishing Show in the Northeast. Items include: Vintage Fishing Lures, Rods, Reels, Bobbers, Decoys, Files, Signs, Ephemera and more.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale

Sunday, November 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This popular Sale will be held at the Saratoga Wilton Lodge at 1 Elk Lane. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore. Lunch is available.  Just about anything you can imagine might be offered: lightly used children’s toys and lots of Christmas craft items. A fun activity for the entire family.  All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund.   An 8’ table with chairs cost $15. Email Debbie at deborahozolins@gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s).  Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  

6 Hour Defensive Driving Course

Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m. – 3  p.m. Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Cost $40 prepaid, $45 at door. A portion of the fee is donated to the church. 518-784-5009 or www.facetofacecourses.com. 

Holiday Opera “La bohème”

Celebrate the holidays with the original RENT — a story of young artists in love, from first blush to dying breath. This holiday season, Opera Saratoga invites you to be swept away by the romance, laughter, and heartbreak of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, “La bohème.” In this special staged concert, the Skidmore Chorus and members of the Excelsior Vocal Ensemble joins forces with the most exciting rising stars from the Juilliard School and the Metropolitan Opera to bring to life the unforgettable arias, soaring ensembles, and rich choral moments that have enchanted audiences for generations. Single tickets are on sale now. The concert will be held on December 5 at 7 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall 

25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. Single tickets are on sale now at www.atproctors.org. 

Visit the Amazing Islands of the Azores 

The Academy for Lifelong Learning of Saratoga Springs is sponsoring a ten-day tour to the Azores May 11 – 20, 2026. Lately referred to as “the new Iceland” and “the Hawaii of the Atlantic,” a non-stop five-and-a-half-hour flight from NYC transports you to this remote region of volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal. Hidden waterfalls, mythical hot springs and lush tropical gardens invite visitors to enjoy its beauty. If you love gardens, wineries, tropical floral displays and soaking in naturally heated geothermal springs, this trip is for you. Package price for land and air based on double occupancy is $5,990. Contact goedventures@gmail.com for additional information.

 October 31 – November 6 , 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events: OCT. 31 – NOV.6

Friday, October 31

Bagels and Barks

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11 a.m. What could be better than Bagels and Barks! Stop in for a bite to eat and meet and greet with several therapy dogs and their owners. Local chapter-certified therapy dogs will be in attendance. Sspl.org

Annual Fall Artisan Sale

Barn at the Bridge, 250 Lakehill Rd., Burnt Hills | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Also on Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping or just enjoy the perfect fall day here on the farm. A great opportunity to come out and support your local artisans. Over 35 vendors featuring multimedia craftsmanship. There is truly something for everyone. Ranging from embroidery, knitting, painting, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, basket making, baked goods, syrup, soaps, coffee, and so much more.

Saturday, November 1

Veteran’s Memorial Park Book Walk 

Veteran’s Memorial Park, 697 MacElroy Road, Clifton Park | Enjoy the book Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson as you stroll along the Veteran’s Memorial Park walking path. This Book Walk will be available through the beginning of December. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org. 

Fall Craft Show

The King’s School, 6087 State Route 9N, Hadley | 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at. Join us for a festive day of shopping, student-made treasures, delicious food, exciting raffles, and warm fellowship! Come celebrate the season and discover something special for everyone. For more information, please email kploss@kingsschool.info. 

Open Family Swim

Ballston Spa High School Pool

70 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa | Noon – 2 p.m. Ages 16 and up, under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. More Information and other opportunities to swim, visit https://www.bscsd.org/departments/athletics/aquatics-program/communityswim-lap-swim

Writing in Nature Workshops 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton |1:00-2:30 pm

If you have wanted to try your hand at nature writing but were not sure how to start – this is for you! This FREE program is being led by Skidmore professor, Michael Marx, who will guide and nurture your inner Rachel Carson, Mary Oliver, or Henry David Thoreau. You can sign up for one, or more! These workshops are appropriate for participants older than 10. All supplies will be provided. Apply online at wiltonpreserve.org or call 518-450-0321. 

Sunday, November 2

Saratoga Stryders Fall Back 5 Mile Trail Race

Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Challenge yourself in the Saratoga Stryders Fall Back 5 Mile Trail at Saratoga Spa State Park, featuring rolling ridges, single track, grassy stretches and a stair climb. Enjoy a scenic, challenging course and post-race prizes. In-person registration and early bib pickup are scheduled for Saturday, November 1 at iRun LOCAL (425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs). Day-of last-minute registration and bib pickup take place at the Roosevelt II Building in Saratoga Spa State Park. Registration is limited to 200 entries. Pre-registration is $30 plus an online processing fee; in-person and last-minute registration is $35 (cash or check only). No refunds will be issued. For more information, visit saratogastryders.org. 

Monday, November 3

Galway Preservation Society Monthly Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45, followed by our monthly program at 7:00. This month’s program will be on Dr. Elizabeth Gilette, presented by Michael Diana, Director of Education and Historian of the Schenectady County Historical Society.  At the turn of the 20th Century, Elizabeth Gilette moved to Schenectady.  At that time, she was only the second woman to practice medicine in the small American city.  Over the course of her long career, Gilette would defy not just the profession but the political boundaries of her gender.  The presentation details her many accomplishments and remarkable personality.  Open to the public, free of charge.

Tuesday, November 4

Election Day Chili Meal

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta | 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price is $8 for each meal (eat in or take out).  All Are invited. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.

Annual Election Day Chicken & Biscuit Dinner 

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Drive Thru ~ Take Out Only.  Dinner includes: chicken & gravy with peas and carrots, biscuits, homemade apple crisp. Cost $12. 

Wednesday, November 5

Chicken & Biscuits 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 & Biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only). 

Thursday, November 6

Genealogy Assistance

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd. Clifton Park |011 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lisa Dougherty, a skilled genealogical researcher, will help you with your questions, roadblocks, and other stumpers. Roundtable discussion begins at noon. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

A Spirited Evening: A Paranormal Experience at the Haunted Canfield Casino

Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 10 p.m. The Saratoga Springs History Museum invites the community to an unforgettable evening of history, dining, and the supernatural. This annual fundraiser brings together food, fun, and folklore to support the Museum’s mission of preserving and sharing Saratoga’s remarkable history. The event offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience that blends fine dining with spine-tingling storytelling. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.saratogahistory.org/spirited-evening. 

The Ballston Spa Education Foundation Online Holiday Auction is coming soon!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The BSEF is preparing for their annual online auction and is looking for donations from local restaurants and shops to help support innovative projects across the Ballston Spa school district. Gift cards, goods, services and experiences are welcome! Every dollar raised from the auction directly supports our district students and classrooms.

Donations are due by November 18, 2025. To learn more or to make a contribution, please contact bspaedfoundation@gmail.com.

Spirits, Stories, and a Ghost Hunt Await at Saratoga’s Haunted Canfield Casino

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Springs, NY — This November, the Saratoga Springs History Museum invites the public to step into the shadows of one of the most haunted places in America for “A Spirited Evening: A Paranormal Experience at the Haunted Canfield Casino” on Thursday, November 6, from 6:00–10:00 PM. 

The Canfield Casino, famously featured on Ghost Hunters and the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places in America, opens its doors for one night only, offering guests an unforgettable mix of gourmet dining, chilling stories, and encounters with the unknown. 

The evening begins with cocktails and a lavish buffet dinner provided by Salvato’s and Wandering Food Dude, followed by an interactive paranormal presentation by Dan and Lauren Perez, The Radikals. Guests will be introduced to their traveling collection of occult artifacts, each with a mysterious and often unsettling backstory. A ghost theory discussion will follow, led by Jamie Parillo, Museum Director, and Matt Derway of the Olde Saratoga Paranormal Group. 

Ticket Information 

• General Admission: $150 per person 

• Museum Members: $140 per person 

Tickets are available now at https://www.saratogahistory.org/spirited-evening

November Nature on the Move Walks at Wilton Wildlife

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

On Mondays, November 3 and 17, from 10:30 am to noon, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will hold its bi-weekly Nature on the Move walks. These walks are led by one of Wilton Wildlife’s volunteers, Linda Hovious, along with an Environmental Educator. 

These walks enable participants to explore the trails with like-minded individuals and appreciate the beauty of nature as the seasons change. These walks are geared towards gentle exercise and are appropriate for adults at basic fitness levels. 

The group usually covers about 1.5 miles of trails. Nature on the Move happens every other week, year-round. 

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, or for up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the website at  www.wiltonpreserve.org or on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. 

For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings

PEP’s 2025 Fun Run Raises $40K During Schoolwide Fundraiser

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Parents as Education Partners (PEP) raised $40,285 during its 2025 fundraising effort — a major step toward PEP’s goal of purchasing a new full-size basketball court with multipurpose hoops. This project, totaling $72,000, will provide students with an upgrade from the current half court and create new opportunities for school and community recreation.

PEP would like to give special recognition to its Silver Sponsor, Stone Bridge Iron and Steel, Inc. for their generous donation, a contribution that helped push this year’s fundraiser over the $40,000 mark.

“On behalf of the entire PEP board, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for helping make this year’s Fun Run such a huge success!” said PEP President Christine Barbeau. “It was an incredible day filled with smiles, teamwork, and school spirit. The new format, with grades running together and families cheering from the sidelines, was so special.”

Barbeau added that the success of the Fun Run represents more than just dollars raised — it’s a reflection of the strong sense of connection within the school community.

“We’re so grateful for the time and effort that make days like this possible, fostering a positive, connected environment for our students,” she said.

Coming This November: Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle at the Saratoga Automobile

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

This November, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will celebrate the legacy of American performance with Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle, a major new exhibition showcasing sixteen of Pontiac’s most iconic performance machines.

Opening Wednesday, November 5, the exhibition traces the rise of the muscle car through Pontiac’s defining models—from the original GTO that started it all to the Firebird and Trans Am that carried its spirit for decades.

 To mark the occasion, the Museum will host a special Exhibit Reception on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 7 PM, where guests can enjoy light refreshments, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and experience the exhibition up close.

At the heart of the show is a stunning lineup of Pontiac GTOs, including multiple examples of the legendary GTO Judge in its most striking factory colors: Liberty Blue, Carousel Red, Orbit Orange, Granada Gold, and Lucerne Blue. Visitors will encounter the 1964 Tempest GTO that sparked a movement, the refined 1967 model, and the show-stopping Judges of 1969 to 1971 that turned performance into pop culture.

Adding to the excitement, the Museum will feature the 1966 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile, one of the most recognizable custom cars ever built for television. Created by customizer Dean Jeffries for The Monkees TV show, the Monkeemobile perfectly captures the playful energy and over-the-top creativity that defined the muscle car era.

The exhibition also explores how Pontiac’s image shaped a generation. In the Museum’s Orientation Theater, guests will find digital reproductions of more than 30 vintage Pontiac advertisements by Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufmann, courtesy of the GM Heritage Collection. These vivid, stylized scenes helped define Pontiac as more than a car—it was confidence, freedom, and attitude on wheels.