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Author: Saratoga TODAY

The 7th Annual Saratoga Balloon Festival

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

BALLSTON SPA — Back after a one-year hiatus, the popular Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival will occupy the Saratoga County Fairgrounds Aug.  27- 29 for three days of family fun.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Festival organizers moved from the traditional Father’s Day weekend to the new dates in late August, when the event was more likely to happen without restrictions. 

Friday’s events include the DareDevil Trained Dog Show, balloon launches, the Brent McCoy  Comedy Juggling Act, and the Balloon Glow at dusk. Saturday is the longest day with more dog shows, another day with Brent McCoy, tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides, and the evening balloon launch. On Sunday, there will be a car show with 100 cars, and the New York Steak Cook-Off with dozens of teams competing for the prizes and fame and bragging rights. 

The Festival includes the Kids Zone – with bounce houses, pony rides, a petting farm, face painting,  a designated magician, Shawn,  a balloon twister, and games – live music daily and a wide choice of food.

The Saratoga County Fairgrounds are located at 162 Prospect St. in Ballston Spa. Festival hours are Friday 3 p.m. to dusk after the Balloon Glow; Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. It is a rain or shine event. Adult admission is $12; children under 16 $5 at the gate. There is a special price on Sunday: adults are $8 and children $5.  For the adventurous, you can book a balloon ride on the Festival website www.balloonandbbq.com. For balloon launch updates check the website and Facebook: www.facebook.com/saratogaballoonandbbq.

“Horse Crazy”: SPAC Talk with NY Times Reporter and Equestrian on Aug. 25

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that its WAMC@SPAC series will continue with “Horse Crazy with Sarah Maslin Nir” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Nancy DiCresce Room at The Pines@SPAC facility. WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s Joe Donahue will lead the conversation with heralded New York Times reporter, Pulitzer Prize finalist and avid equestrian Sarah Maslin Nir, exploring Nir’s new book Horse Crazy. 

Sarah Maslin Nir is a staff reporter for The New York Times, and was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for “Unvarnished,” her more than yearlong investigation into New York City’s nail salon industry that documented the exploitative labor practices and health issues manicurists face. 

All attendees are required to show proof of having completed their COVID-19 vaccination no sooner than 14 days prior to the event. Verification will be required upon entry at the Charlie Gate adjacent to the Hall of Springs entrance. WAMC@SPAC: “Horse Crazy with Sarah Maslin Nir” is free to attend, however seating is limited. Visit www.spac.org to register. 

Scott Cook Benefit Concert

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Canadian road poet Scott Cook will perform at Caffe Lena on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The concert will benefit Youth² – Youth Helping Youth. There will also be a live interview with Scott Cook during intermission. Youth² will host a bake sale to bring refreshments to the show. Ticket sales are on the Caffe Lena website www.caffelena.org. 

Zoom Discussion of Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The final Temple Sinai program for the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival presents a Zoom discussion and celebration of Black culture with Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15.

The documentary film, a highly celebrated Netflix documentary and 2019 Emmy Award nominee, is presented with a grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York.

The documentary is an in-depth look at Beyonce’s 2018 Coachella show, where she was the first African American woman to headline the festival since its founding in 1999. 

Beyonce chronicles her experiences, from breastfeeding newborn twins, dance rehearsals, her radical diet regimen and grueling training schedule after topping the scales at 218 pounds following the birth of her twins.

Registration is required at sjcf.sjca@gmail.com;  for other information: www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org and www.saratogasinai.org  

Upbeat On The Roof Presents: Heavenly Echoes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College’s Upbeat on the Roof concert series concludes Thursday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. with a free concert by Heavenly Echoes.

Founded out of the Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, this lively six-piece ensemble brings feel-good gospel energy and radiant positivity to their audiences. Heavenly Echoes has been performing in the Capital District for over 50 years. 

The Upbeat on the Roof concert takes place on the Tang lawn near the campus outdoor volleyball courts. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and coolers, and are advised to arrive early as capacity is limited. Free parking is available off Perimeter Road, next to the museum. The Museum is on the Skidmore College campus at 815 N. Broadway in Saratoga Springs. In case of rain, the event will be canceled.

John Oates Talks Porsche at Auto Museum Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In advance of an appearance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Sunday night, John Oates – one half the duo known as Hall & Oates – will be the focus of a meet-and-greet Saturday at the Saratoga Automobile Museum in the Spa State Park. 

The meet-and-greet event takes place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $100 and proceeds benefit Feeding America, and supports educational and exhibition programming at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located at 110 Avenue of the Pines.    

For tickets, go to: www.saratogaautomuseum.org, or call 518-401-5185. 

August 13 – August 19, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, August 13

Congress Park Walking Tours 
Saratoga Springs visitor Center | 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Learn about the fascinating history of “The Queen of Spas” with a leisurely walk thru Congress Park. Our experienced guides will tell you the stories of How Saratoga became the “Queen of Spas” in the 19th Century.  The tragic story behind the Trask Family and the Spirit of Life statue. The history of the Saratoga City Museum and it’s notorious reputation as the highest rolling gambling casino in the US. How the city rallied to restore the historic Spit and Spat statues. Tours are given Tuesday – Saturday through October. 

Yoga in the Park
Saratoga Spa State Park, Brick Arches behind Spa Little Theater, Various Days/Times |Practice outside in the sublime beauty of the Saratoga Spa State Park from June to October. A variety of classes are scheduled throughout the week with our teaching faculty. Just bring your mat and props and let Nature be your soundtrack. Blocks and a blanket are suggested. Check our Facebook Page, yogainspastatepark in the event of inclement weather for cancelled classes. Donation based. Visit www.intuyogaschoolofwellbing.com for schedule. 

Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino
Saratoga Springs History Museum | 1 East Congress St., Saratoga Springs
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Is the Canfield Casino haunted? Take a tour with guides who tell their personal experiences of the paranormal in the Canfield Casino. The Canfield Casino was featured on SYFY Network’s show Ghost Hunters and on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Terrifying Places.  Reservations not required, but tours are limited to 20 people. Adults $15, Kids $9, under 6 free. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through August.

Diabetes Support Group Online
Zoom Presentation | 12 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will host an informal support group via Zoom for people with diabetes or prediabetes. The program will meet the first Friday of each month. Individuals can join by contacting Diane Whitten at 518-885-8995, or dwhitten@cornell.edu. There is no fee for the support group. Topics will vary and may be based on the interest of the group.

Family Fun Fridays
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa
2 – 4 p.m. | The events are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Take a playful trip back in time to the 18th century every Friday afternoon of the summer break. Children, along with their parents, are invited to join reenactors Erin and Henry in playing with reproductions of centuries-old toys and games. Also, Brookside Museum will be open on those days, 1-5 p.m.. there are four brand new exhibits, including the innovative “Social Life of Hats” display and the exhibition on Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family. Please visit the website www.brooksidemuseum.org for news and announcements. 

Saturday, August 14

15th Annual Clifton Park Elks Car, Truck & Bike Show
Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Rd., Ballston Lake
9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. | All years and makes of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. We have over 50 awards to registered vehicles. Fun, Music, 50/50 Raffles, and Great Food. Proceeds benefit the Elks National Foundation and the NYSEA Major Project Fund (Cerebral Palsy Home Service Program). Registration starts at 9 AM until 12 PM and awards around 3:30 PM. Contestant registration is $10; Spectators are free. Rain Date is Sunday, August 15. For Information call Doug Simmons at 518- 669-4588 or email at rexfordren@gmail.com.

4-H Project Exhibition
4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 4-H youth will demonstrate their impressive project work. Experienced judges will evaluate entries and award ribbons for project work. 

Eleventh Caboose Day and Car Show 
The Caboose at King’s Station, Corner of Route 9N and Porter Rd., Porter Corners | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, and Imports welcome on Saturday, August 14 at Tour King’s Station and the restored caboose. Vendors, bake sale, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and drinks to benefit The Town of Greenfield Historical Society. Rain or Shine. For information, call Tom Clute at 518-580-0655 or Louise Okoniewski at the Town Hall at 518-893-7432 or 518-796-4066. 

Reading & Book Signing by Matt Witten
Ballston Spa Public Library Community Room | 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 11a.m.
A book signing and reading with author, Matt Witten. Join mystery and TV writer, Matt Witten as he presents his new novel, The Necklace. Books will be available to purchase and sign. Mr. Witten lived in Saratoga Springs, where he wrote four mystery novels that were published by Signet, including Breakfast at Madeline’s. Then moved to LA and began writing for TV: Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and other shows. Set partly in Lake Luzerne, The Necklace is his first novel since he began writing for TV. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, limit 30. To sign up go to the library, call 518-885-5022 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-and-reading-with-mystery-writer-matt-witten-tickets-162123723421 

Outdoor Concert Series
Hubbard Hall Great Lawn, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge
6 p.m. | Audiences are invited to bring their own blankets and chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening listening to some great music and musicians from near and far!  Audiences may arrive any time after 5 p.m. for the concert. Maximum 100 attendees allowed on the lawn. In case of rain, concerts will be performed inside Hubbard Hall for a maximum of 45 audience members with house opening at 5:30 p.m. No reservations. First come, first sit. Masks required for those unvaccinated. See hubbardhall.org for more information. This evening’s featured artist is Barry Oreck and Friends. 

Sunday, August 15

Dharma Meditation
Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs
9 – 10:15 a.m. | Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman includes inspirational topics that support emotional, cognitive, and ethical wishes for wellbeing. Please RSVP to Pierre by calling 413-992-7012 or emailing Pierre (pzimmie2@icloud.com) 24-hrs in advance. Masks must be worn at all times, and coronavirus safety measures, including distancing, will be practiced. A $10 donation is suggested. Pre-registration is required. Complete info, visit www.oneroofsaratoga.com

Trap/Clay Shoot 
Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club | 123 NY Rt 32, Schuylerville | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Open to the public – Great time to introduce the youth to trap shooting for fun. Novice to Expert only $5 per round. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and water will be available for purchase.

Summer Stroll: The Spa Complex 
Saratoga Spa State Park, Hall of Springs | 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs
10:30 a.m. – Noon | Join Linda Harvey on a tour of the Spa Complex, which is the core of the Spa State Park, National Historic Landmark. Learn the history leading to its development which involved key local and national individuals while exploring the architecture and landscape. 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. Members who have received complimentary Stroll passes will have those honored for their value of $10 and will be required to pay the difference of $5. Visit the website saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030 to purchase tickets in advance.

Monday, August 16

The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series 
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Parking Lot #1, Wilton | 6:15 p.m.
Monday evenings in August. Registration is $5 day-of or $20 for all five races. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Current CDC and NYS guidelines will be followed. For more information contact Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saratogastryders.org.

Open Mic Host Comedian Robert Yerry
VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 10 p.m.
Food and drink specials. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please call 518-584-9686. For more information, please call 518-584-9686. Next open mic is on Thursday, 8/19, 7 – 10 p.m.

Tuesday, August 17 

Summer Concert Series in the Park 
Congress Park – War Memorial, 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of our area’s favorite performers. The rain location is the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. This week’s featured artist is Betsy and the ByeGons. 

Wednesday, August 18

Chicken Marsala Dinner 
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken marsala, long grain wild rice, vegetable, salad, roll. Dinner for 2 is $25 cash only. 

Thursday, August 19

Concert in the Park
Old Iron Springs Park, 198 Front St., Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m.
This week’s featured artist is Geo Beat. 

The Health, History, & Horses Charity Gala
Longfellow’s Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m.
Presented by Ladies of charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annually to establish charities in Saratoga & Warren/Washington Counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. There will be complimentary beer and wine the first hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, silent auction, Four Seasons basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and racetrack t-shirt quilt. Cost is $75 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Tickets can be purchased at www.ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com or contact Yolanda at 518-886-8064. Attire is Summer Festive.

August 13 – August 19, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Friday Pop-up Art on Beekman Street
Outdoor art displays with local artists and makers on the lawns and porches of the Beekman Street Art District, Saratoga Springs with refreshments and live music on Friday, August 20, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. shops and galleries open late. Rain late afternoon cancels event. 

Pancake Breakfast and Car Show
Help rebuild the grandstand!  Join us on August 22 from 8 – 2 p.m. at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, located at 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa.  Breakfast will be served from 8 – 11 a.m., Car Show from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (registration 7:30 a.m.). 50/50 raffle and basket raffles. All proceeds for the rebuild of the Grandstand. $15 Entry fee for car show participants. Breakfast: $8 adult, $5 children 10 & under. 

STEM Summer Aviation Camp
The camp will be held on Tuesday, August 24-Friday, August 27 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr, Glenville, for students ages 8 -16. Size of the class will be limited to 20 students, with appropriate spacing. Several classes will be conducted outdoors, weather dependent. The program offers classes on a variety of aviation topics, such as: the history of aviation, the forces of flight, learning the different parts of a plane, how helicopters fly, the US Manned Space Program and more. The program will also feature guest speakers, tours of the museum, and use of flight simulators. ESAM is committed to serving as a resource for all of the community and a limited number of scholarships are available. Cost is $120 per student for the four day session. Call 518-377-2191 for an application.

27th Annual Town of Greenfield, Town-Wide Garage & Craft Sale
There will be numerous sales located throughout the Town of Greenfield (including Greenfield Center, Porter Corners, and Middle Grove) on September 11 & 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rain or Shine. Tons of stuff to browse and buy. Free maps of all of the garage sales will be available beginning September 10 at the Stewart’s Shop in Greenfield and Middle Grove, the Post Office’s at Middle Grove, Porter Corners and Greenfield Center, the Town Hall in Greenfield, the Greenfield Center Baptist Church, and the Greenfield Lions Information/Silent Auction Tent.   

Summer Lunch Program for Children
This summer during the months of July and August the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa will sponsor a Summer Lunch Program for children living in and around the village.  Nutritious lunches will be made daily and distributed in seven locations.  Volunteers are needed to assemble and distribute the lunches.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering in some way in making a financial contribution, or in obtaining an application or a menu can contact the church at 518-885-8361 or at bspabaptist202@gmail.com or bspabaptist.org.  Please help to impact the children of Ballston Spa in a positive way.

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibit
Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting throughout the area. Please try to visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For further information about SSAS, please visit: southernsaratogaartist.com. Artist Roberta Moses is exhibiting her art during July and August at the Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville. Waterford Library, 117 Third Street, Waterford is hosting artists Jack Morgan, Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade during July and August. Artists William Daisak, David Mayak and Karen Zimmers are exhibiting their art at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. 

Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts 
Join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. Stay in Brussels and Amsterdam and plan to taste as many gourmet chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens. Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour. To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@gmail.com.   

“Love is All Around”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

August can be a very warm month and it becomes a quest to stay cool. We tend to eat lighter and refreshing foods during this time of year. One of my favorite summer combos is strawberries and cream.  Our children love waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were younger they probably could have eaten it every single day and not get sick of it.  This combo is also great on or in cake such as a gorgeous Swiss roll.  This is a perfectly refreshing summer dessert that is loved by all! Cake rolls look really fancy as well as complicated but they are actually quite easy to make. One essential item you need to make a cake roll is a jelly roll pan. A jelly roll pan (typically 10½ by 15½ inches) is simply a smaller version of a rimmed baking sheet (about 12 by 18 inches). When it comes to equipping your kitchen, baking sheets are more versatile. You can use one to roast a large batch of vegetables, bake a dozen or more cookies, or even make a large sheet cake. A jelly-roll pan has 1-inch-high sides and is perfect for making cake rolls; it can stand in for a cookie sheet in a pinch.

Love is all around especially when we bring and serve fantastic desserts. We have a ton of bakeware to assist with your fun summer culinary desserts. We also have strawberry hullers and slicers to help you with your strawberry desserts. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store for those “cool dessert” culinary needs. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!.” 

Take Care,
John & Paula

REARDON StrawberryCreamSwissRoll 

Saratoga Farmers’ Market Meat Producers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

The meat vendors bring cuts of beef, goat, lamb, pork, and veal all year. They humanely raise animals and are not CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations). Growth promoting hormones and routine antibiotics are never used, and no animal by-products are ever fed.

Josh Carnes started Ramble Creek Farm in 2018. The farm raises heritage-breed pigs to produce their “forest-raised pork,” which lives in their woods protected by an electric-powered net. The farm also produces beef.

Nathan and Meghan Mattison started Grazin’ Acres Farm in 2012 after meeting at the Washington County Fair, where they continue showing their cattle.  They offer beef cuts and will provide custom cuts that customers order. They also pasture-raise their heritage breed pigs. In the future, they’ll also offer cuts of lamb.

Another beef and pork producer, Longlesson Farm, has been a vendor for many years. The farm, started by Christophe Robert’s wife Shannon’s parents, now has 450 acres that supply pasture and hay for their herd of Black Angus. They’ve learned that grass is good for cows, and cows are good for grass! And they’ll have new cuts of pork in the fall.

Hebron Valley Veal is also a new vendor. Ariel Garland and Matt Campbell raise calves from their dairy cows. Their calves are never tethered and receive milk from their registered Holsteins. When six months old, the calves are processed for rose veal cuts, which are lean and tender.

The Market’s goat meat producer, Squash Villa Farm, run by Himanee and Jim Gupta-Carlson, recently bought historic Wright farm in Easton, where French Alpine descendant goats enjoy grazing. Squash Villa is the only goat farm at Wednesday and Saturday Markets.

Mary and Bob Pratt have raised lamb since 1987 at Elihu Farm, named for Revolutionary Patriot Elihu Gifford. Their sheep are purebred Romneys (longwool) and crossbreds (medium wool). Their cuts of lamb are very healthy since most of the fat surrounds the muscles and is easily trimmed. 

Mariaville Mushroom Men is from Schenectady County. Bobby Chandler said that in addition to mushrooms, they raise pork and currently offer seasoned bacon, pork chops, and spare ribs. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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