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A Sneak Peek at Standard Fare

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.


A glimpse of Standard Fare’s interior, with artwork by Daniel Fairley.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Little is standard about Standard Fare, the new eatery from the duo behind Bocage Champagne Bar.

In an early visit to the nearly-finished restaurant at 21 Phila Street, one could see quirky but arresting artwork by Daniel Fairley that depicted, among other things, a pickle piloting a hamburger spaceship, and one goose surrounded by many ducks at a cartoonish Congress Park (see if you can find it, “Where’s Waldo” style).

Amidst the unique artwork was perhaps the most eye-popping item: a decadent milkshake called “Go Shawty, it’s Your Birthday,” made with vanilla ice cream, Fruity Pebbles, strawberry syrup, and a funfetti cupcake. The treat served as an apt representation of what Standard Fare is aiming for: elevated comfort food. Expect dishes like meatloaf, pork chops, Swedish meatballs, and mac & cheese—all with a gourmet approach.

“I always tell people, think about it as the Martha Stewart or the Ina Garten version of dishes you might find at a diner,” said Standard Fare co-owner Clark Gale.

Standard Fare aims to be the kind of place that would be appropriate for both a high school baseball team celebrating a state championship, and a couple in search of an evening date spot.

Preparing this type of laid-back but boujee environment required a complete gut overhaul of the existing property, which Gale and fellow owner Zac Denham have been supervising since last winter.


The Standard Fare team, from left to right: Executive Chef Connor DeMarco,
Co-owner Zac Denham, General Manager Samantha Pierre, and Co-owner Clark Gale.

“I think that if people were familiar with the space previously, they’re going to be in for a nice surprise,” Gale said.

In addition to redesigning the space, Gale and Denham also wrangled together a team that includes Executive Chef Connor DeMarco and General Manager Samantha Pierre. DeMarco is a Saratoga Springs native who was previously an Executive Chef at The Merc, and has an extensive resume that includes stints with Cantina and Prime at Saratoga National. Pierre, in addition to her management role, also helped shape Standard Fare’s pastry program.

As if they weren’t busy enough running one restaurant and opening another, Gale and Denham also recently developed an exclusive beer with Whitman Brewing called the Phila Street Low Life. The hazy IPA will be served at both Bocage and Standard Fare. Its name is meant to compliment Miller High Life (also known as the “champagne of beers”), which, until the Whitman collab, was the only beer offered at Bocage.


The “Go Shawty, it’s Your Birthday” milkshake. All photos by Super Source Media. 

Also brewing in the background is Gale and Denham’s participation in Variety magazine’s “America’s Favorite Couple” contest, which could net them a prize of $20,000 and an advertorial in the famed Hollywood trade publication.

With a lot on their to-do list, expect to see the duo bouncing back and forth this summer between Bocage and Standard Fare, which are essentially across the street from each other on Phila.

“I think we look at them as one operation, even though they’re two quite different concepts,” Gale said. “I think they’re going to work together in the same ecosystem.” 

The ecosystem will come to fruition on Aug. 15, when Standard Fare is scheduled to celebrate its grand opening.

This Week in History 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, History, News.


A photo of the train derailed during a railroad Strike in Ballston Lake (Courtesy of North East Rails)

Walking the streets of Saratoga Springs, it’s almost impossible not to notice the history all around you. 

From having one of the oldest sporting venues in the country to being next store to one of the most important battles in American history, the spa city is no stranger to influence and importance. 

It’s this history that inspired Saratoga TODAY to look back at some of the events and notable happenings that took place this week in history. 

Grant visits Saratoga Springs 

July 27, 1865, saw famed general and future president Ulysses S. Grant and his family visit Saratoga Springs briefly before traveling to Nova Scotia via Boston. According to media reports at the time, Grant — who was only three months removed from winning the Civil War — was met with cheering but mostly well-behaved crowds. While in the city, Grant attended parties at Congress Hall, Union Hall and Lake Saratoga. He reportedly left in the early hours of July 29 to avoid crowds of onlookers. Later that day, General Joeseph Hooker and Rueben Fenton would arrive in the city for vacations.

Child Abducted in Saratoga Found in New York City 

July 28, 1874 saw a child who was abducted from his father in Saratoga was found 12 years after he was kidnapped. The finding came after his abductor made a deathbed confession admitting to the kidnapping. Upon hearing the news, the father went to New York City to retrieve the now young man. 

Train Derailed as Part of Strike 

The night of July 31, 1910, saw eight rail workers purposefully derail a passenger train carrying 400 people in Ballston Lake. The derailment lead to the Sherriff to intervene in the strike and prevent further violence. Local reports indicate that the strikers were look for a 25 cent — about $8.50 today — increase in pay. The eight men were later caught and tried for the derailment. 

Flights between Saratoga and New York City Begin 

On July 27, 1929, it was announced that there would be regular flights between Saratoga Springs and New York City during track season to start July 29. The flights took place during track season and transported passengers via seaplane from Queens to Saratoga Springs with an additional stop in Lake George. Media reports said the schedule meant that someone could work in the morning, go to the track and be back in time for dinner. 

In addition, on July 31, a short-wave radio station between Roosevelt Field in New York City and Saratoga Springs was implemented to give pilots up-to-date weather information. 

Anti-Gambling advocates Home Bombed

On July 28, 1934, the home of Emma St. John was bombed by two men who reportedly broke the front windows of her home and tossed in the bombs. St. John was treated by a local doctor for shock. The bombing came after she had submitted a petition to then New York Governor Herbert Lehman to remove three county and city officials in Saratoga for failing to curb gambling in the city ahead of the race season. Lehman refused. 

Measles Case Leads to Mask Requirements at Saratoga Hospital

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


Saratoga Hospital. File photo

A measles case in Saratoga triggered a five day mask requirement at Saratoga Hospital. 

The masking requirement went into effect July 18 and lasted until July 22. The notice came after someone who was later confirmed to have measles sought treatment at the hospital on July 14. 

According to the New York State Health Department, the individual is an adult from Vermont who has a recent history of international travel. They first sought treatment at Saratoga Hospital before seeking treatment at Albany Medical Center on July 16. 

“Our Emergency Department is fully prepared for serious illnesses that may present at our doors,” said 
Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Albany Medical Center Executive Vice President, and Hospital General Director. “Our team acted immediately and appropriately to minimize exposure. The patient arrived masked and was immediately isolated at the hospital. The Department of Health was notified, per protocol, and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

notice wear a face mask sign vector

The Health Department said that although the risk of infection is low, individuals who were at the Saratoga Hospital emergency department are encouraged to contact the hospital while those at Albany Med have already been identified and contacted. 

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes rashes and fever. It is spread by coughing and sneezing into the air and can be contracted by breathing in the virus or by touching a surface and later touching your eyes, mouth or nose, according to the Health Department. The illness can survive in the air or on a surface for two hours. Someone with the disease can spread it for four days before the onset of symptoms.

So far in 2025, the US has seen 1309 confirmed cases of measles — the worst since 1992, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These cases have resulted in 164 hospitalizations and three deaths in the US. 

In April, the Department of Health issued a travel advisory advising those traveling to areas with outbreaks to ensure that they’re vaccinated against the disease and monitor for symptoms three weeks after they return. 

The advisory listed several countries where major outbreaks have occurred. One of the countries listed was Canada which has seen 3,822 cases of measles, according to Health Canada. Looking specifically at the two provinces New York shares a border with, there have been 2,245 cases in Ontario and 36 cases in Quebec. 

Both the CDC and Department of Health have advised those who aren’t already vaccinated to get vaccinated. 

“Measles remains a threat to public health and exposure during travel is something we need to consider. It’s important that New Yorkers ensure they are immunized against measles,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Protect yourself and your family against measles and make sure you are up to date on immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

In the US, 92% of measles cases have occurred in individuals whose vaccination status was listed unknown or unvaccinated according to the CDC. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine, it is estimated that three to four million people a year were infected with the disease with 48,000 requiring hospitalization and 400-500 dying yearly. 

Jewelry Designer Showcases Family Legacy at N. Fox Jewelers

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Designer Louis Mazza sold his wares at a special two-day trunk show at N. Fox Jewelers in downtown Saratoga Springs last week.

Louis is from the sixth generation of the Mazza family, who have been purveyors of fine gemstones since 1775, supplying famed New York retailers like Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman. The American iteration of the business began in the early 1900s, when Louis’ great grandfather arrived in the USA. In the 1950s, Louis’ grandfather and great uncles expanded the operation when they started designing and manufacturing their own jewelry.

Some of Louis’ more unique pieces at N. Fox included a mother’s necklace that contains an ancient Roman coin, a Pope Leo VI necklace that features a Byzantine coin minted in 892 AD, and a necklace with Venetian glass depicting the gods Mars and Venus.

For more information, visit raymondmazzajewelry.com.

Saratoga Baseball Excellence Continues: Youth Team Crowned State Champs

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Photo of the 10U team provided by Barry J. Bruno. 

 Photo of the Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball 11U Blue Sox state championship team
provided by Shawn Lescault. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an unprecedented year that has seen two high school baseball teams win state titles on the same day, the City of Saratoga Springs’ diamond-dwelling athletes continue to accumulate accolades.

The Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball league’s 11U Blue Sox team captured the Cal Ripken Eastern New York State Championship last week, punching their ticket to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Pennsylvania, where they will represent New York State. Should they prevail in the tourney, they’ll advance to the Cal Ripken World Series.

The Blue Sox notched victories over Clifton Park, North Colonie, Guilderland, and Highland in the state championships, improving their overall season record to 26-8.

“This group has been locked in all summer,” said Geoff Hunter, the squad’s head coach. “They’ve worked hard, supported each other, and stayed focused in every game. I’m incredibly proud of their growth, grit, and how they represent our community on and off the field.”

“This has been a banner year for baseball in Saratoga,” said Shawn Lescault, president of Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball. “Both Saratoga Springs and Spa Catholic winning state championships this spring, and now our hometown 11U Blue Sox adding a Cal Ripken state title; it’s clear that the love for the game runs deep in our community. We’re incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished. Baseball is alive and well in Saratoga.”

The 2025 Saratoga-Wilton Blue Sox 11U roster includes Logan Ercole, Madden King-O’Keefe, Grady Hirning, Grayson Hunter, Ryan LaCasse, Tucker Lescault, Liam Muller, Jack Ramsdill, Sammy Rodriguez, Joseph Sevi, Michael Windelspecht, and Camren Woods.

Another Saratoga-Wilton team, the 10U Blue Sox, defeated Guilderland in the quarterfinals of the Eastern New York State Championship tournament, but later fell in the semifinals to Poughkeepsie. The 10U team’s season will continue, however, as they compete in additional tournaments in South Glens Falls and Queensbury in the coming weeks.

Saratoga County Fair Returns: Wrestling, Kangaroos, Air Rifles, Magicians, & More

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.


Posters provided.

BALLSTON SPA — There aren’t many places on earth where you can see a kangaroo, professional wrestling match, beauty pageant, magician, and a waterskiing squirrel all in one day. But you can do it at the 2025 Saratoga County Fair, which returns to Ballston Spa on July 22 and runs until July 27.

This year, the fair will be open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, then from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free in the fair parking lots, with shuttle buses available for those in lot D. Admission costs $15, but is free for kids 12 and younger. Tickets are still available online at www.saratogacountyfair.org/home.

Amusements of America will be providing the rides, games, and food offerings in the carnival section of the fair every day from noon until 10 p.m. Rides include adult attractions like the Crazy Mouse; Starship 3,000; Pharaoh’s Fury; Free Fall; Sky Fall; Orbiter; and Top Gun. Family-friend rides include two Ferris wheels; the Wacky Worm roller coaster; bumper cars; a carousel; and a Tilt-A-Whirl. As for food, expect everything from deep-fried favorites to local gourmet food trucks.

The fair’s itinerary is packed with activities, shows, exhibitions, and events. For a full list, you can view the fair’s calendar on its website. But we at Saratoga TODAY have prepared this curated schedule of some of the most exciting, unique, and just plain weird things to do at the 2025 fair. We’ve also bolded some special headlining events for each day. No matter what your interests or hobbies, there’s something for everyone, even if it’s just snacking on a funnel cake and riding some rides (though, we recommend having the funnel cake after the rides, not before).

  • Tuesday, July 22
  • County Draft Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • 4-H Goat Show (1 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 12, 4, and 7 p.m.)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Saratoga County Fair Pageant (4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • 4-H Swine Show (6 p.m.)
  • Beatin’ the Odds concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Demolition Derby (7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grandstand)
  • Wednesday, July 23
  • County Draft Horse Show (9 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (10 a.m. at the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Open Draft Horse Show (1 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • 4-H Sheep Show (3 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Dynasty professional wrestling (7 p.m. at the Grandstand)
  • River Country Band concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Thursday, July 24
  • 4-H Western Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building) 4-H Alpaca Show (1 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest (3:30 p.m. in the Townley Building)
  • Goat Show (4 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • 4-H Beef Show (4 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Tractor Pull (6 p.m.)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • County Draft Horse Show (7 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • Skeeter Creek concert (7 to 10 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)

Friday, July 25

  • 4-H English Horse Show (10 a.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Dairy Cattle Show (10 a.m. at the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Dambreakers concert (1 to 4 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.) Taste of Saratoga County (local culinary delights in the Townley Building from 4 to 6 p.m.)
  • Draft Horse Obstacle Course and Games (5:30 p.m. at the Adirondack Trust Company Horse Show Ring)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent (6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • • Electric Rodeo concert (7 to 11 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)

Saturday, July 26

  • 4-H Rabbit Show (9 a.m. at the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 12, 4, and 6 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Bennett Brothers concert (12 to 3 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • 4-H Poultry Show (2 p.m. in the Small Animal Show Ring)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 3, 5, and 8 p.m.)
  • Taste of Saratoga County (local culinary delights in the Townley Building from 4 to 6 p.m.)
  • 4 Wheel Drive Truck Pull (7 p.m.)
  • 4-H Young Farmers Olympics (7 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Family Bingo (7 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • Big Sky Country concert (7 to 11 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Sunday, July 27
  • 4-H Master Showman (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
  • 4-H shooting sports booths (archery, air rifle, and laser from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Drive a robot at the 4-H Center (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Niagara Down Under (kangaroos and more from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
  • Magician Alyx Hilshey (performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • Dialed Action Sports BMX bicycle stunt show (at The Point/Gardiner Walk at 12, 4, and 7 p.m.)
  • Country line dancing lessons (from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Cosplay costuming construction (12 to 3 p.m. in the Lewis Building)
  • 4-H Dog Show (1 p.m. in the Stewart’s Dairy Show Ring)
  • Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel (shows at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m. at the Grandstand Meadow Stage 2 Area)
  • Saratoga’s Got Talent: Best of Fair (4 p.m. in the Talent Building)
  • The Down Home Boys concert (4 to 8 p.m. at the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion)
  • Demolition Derby (6:30 p.m. at the Grandstand)

Spent Nuclear Fuel Rolls Through Ballston Spa

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


A convoy carrying the container, similar to this one from 2018, crawled through Saratoga County on it’s way to a train yard for shipment to Idaho (Courtesy of Naval Nuclear Laboratory)

Residents in Ballston Spa and Milton may have noticed an usual site rolling through town recently as a large container filled with nuclear fuel rolled through town on it’s way to Idaho. 

The fuel came from the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site in West Milton and represented the first part of the dismantling of a nuclear reactor which had been shutdown in 2019. While most of the work took place at the site itself, given the lack of a direct rail connection to the site, a special container had to be loaded onto the back of a heavy lift truck and driven to and from the facility. 

Residents had no reason to be concerned about this transportation. Since 1957, there have been 457 defueling and refueling operations conducted by the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program including 12 at the Kesselring site itself. In it’s history, there hasn’t been any injuries to the public or dangerous releases. 

“Each shipment is made in compliance with applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and state regulations and poses no danger to the public,” The Naval Nuclear Laboratory said in a press release. “The containers are very robust and were rigorously analyzed and tested to demonstrate performance in a range of situations. From the first shipment of Naval spent nuclear fuel in 1957, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has safely shipped 924 containers of Naval spent nuclear fuel without a single injury to a member of the public or any release of radioactivity.”

The press release also said that even if one were to stand six feet away from the container for a full day, they would only receive 10 millirems of radiation — about the same as a chest x ray and much lower than the 300 millirems typically seen in a year. 

Once the shipment leaves New York, it will be shipped to the Idaho National Laboratory. Planning for the project has taken place since 2023. The container itself arrived in West Milton back in April 2024. 

The Kenneth A. Kesselring site is a training and research facility that has been open since the 1950. It’s named after Kenneth A. Kesselring, the former general manager of the nearby Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Since 1950, over 55,000 sailors and officers have trained there including future US President Jimmy Carter. In 1952, then Lt. Carter helped set up the training program for enlisted sailors who would serve on the Nuclear Submarine USS Seawolf. 

In its history, there haven’t been any incidents of releases or major security breaches at the Kesselring Site.  The only one of note coming in 2009 when a truck containing debris from the site crashed outside Wilks Barree, PA. Even then, the amount of radioactivity in the debris was so small that the truck didn’t require warning placards while soil and water in the area didn’t show any increase in radioactivity. 

The remaining reactor at the site consists of a “pressurized-water nuclear reactor, auxiliary equipment, and propulsion systems necessary for the training of naval personnel and for the testing and evaluation of design concepts,” according to the latest environmental report on the cite. 

Speed, Building Sales and Horses: City Council Run Down 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

Speed, building sales and horses were all up for discussion this week at the latest Saratoga Springs City Council meeting. 

While it may not have been as lively as the previous one, there were many issues brought up during the meeting that will have an effect on Residents both in and out of Saratoga Springs. Here is a rundown of what was talked about and the issues facing Saratoga residents. 

Concern over ICE raids

Much of the public comment part of the meeting was dedicated to concern of ICE raids taking place within the city. The concern comes after multiple social media posts show masked agents in unmarked detaining individuals near Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs. 

Speakers including representatives from the Saratoga Springs Democratic Party spoke about the raids, expressing concerns about the raids and calling on the city to do more to protect the undocumented population. 

In response to these concerns, Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll reiterated that the city doesn’t participate in ICE raids and doesn’t have the authority to arrest people for immigration reasons. However, Coll said the city has asked ICE to give prior notice whenever they’re operating in Saratoga Springs to ensure there aren’t “blue on blue” incidents. He also encouraged residents to reach out to ICE or to their congressman if they have concerns over the raids as there is legally nothing they can do. 

Concerns over the raids were also expressed by Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran and Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi.

Speed 

While horses may be flying on the track, for cars on the road it’s a different story. A public hearing was set for Aug. 5 at 6:30 over a proposed ordinance that would reduce the city’s default speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour — with certain exceptions such as for school zones, arterial roads and roads with shared responsibility. 

The proposed ordinance comes after an engineering study recommended the change. It wasn’t until recently that Saratoga Sprins had the power to reduce its speed limit to 25 miles per hour. Prior to 2022, the minimum speed limit was 30 miles per hour statewide. However, a bill passed that year allowed municipalities to make the change citing its effectiveness in reducing traffic fatalities in New York City and Boston.

The Aug. 5 hearing will start with a presentation on that matter and allow residents the opportunity to speak on the matter. 

More Police Horse News 

The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeing further changes with its equestrian unit. During the City Council meeting, the city approved the transfer of outgoing police horse Apollo to Patricia Heneke who will take care of the 19 year old as he enjoys his retirement. Apollo did his last patrol with the department during the Silks and Satins 5k on July 12. 

As Apollo retires, his old coworkers Brady and Sly will be welcoming a new partner to their team. City Council approved the donation of Bella to the Police Equestrian unit. Bella is a 10-year-old black Shire mare who is 19 hands tall. Bella comes by way of Creekview Manor Farm in Saratoga Springs. 

Building Sale

Discussions have begun on the potential sale of a city owned building at 5 Williams Street in Saratoga Springs. The building, which was the former cite of the Saratoga Senior Center had previously been proposed as the site of a homeless shelter however concerns over it’s proximity to Saratoga Central Catholic School lead that plan to be abandoned. 

During the preliminary meeting on July 14, Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall brought up the idea of a sale for discussion, saying that the money could potentially be used to help address the unhoused in Saratoga Springs. 

While all members were open to the idea, concerns were raised about the potential of using a capital asset in order to fund operational expenses. Commissioners Moran and Sanghvi both said they would need to see the plan for how to allocate the property funds before they supported the sale. No vote was taken on the matter. 

Fire Destroys Multiple Buildings at Local Horse Farm

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


The aftermath of the fire at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds’ Eastview Farm in Stillwater. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

STILLWATER — McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, a family-owned horse breeding farm based in Saratoga Springs, lost two hay barns and several smaller buildings in a fire last weekend at its Eastview Farm property in Stillwater. No people or horses were harmed. As of press time, the exact cause of the fire was unknown, though it’s believed to have originated in one of the hay barns.

A video shared with a local Facebook group on July 5 showed large plumes of gray smoke rising above a barn completely engulfed in flames. Horses in a nearby enclosure could be seen galloping away from the fire.

The farm’s co-founder Joe McMahon told Saratoga TODAY that he estimated somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 large bales of hay were lost in the fire, which destroyed much of the property’s storage facilities.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the community for its swift response and unwavering support,” McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds said in a statement. “The quick action from our local first responders and volunteer firefighters was instrumental in preventing the situation from becoming worse, and we are forever thankful for their bravery and dedication. Your efforts made all the difference, and we can’t thank you enough.”

The company encouraged those offering support to consider donating to organizations like the Thoroughbred Charities of America or local fire departments.

“Your support during this time means more to us than words can express,” the statement continued. “We are truly grateful to be part of such an incredible community, and with your continued support, we will rebuild and continue to care for our horses to the highest standard.”

McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds was founded in 1971 and has produced a number of notable race horses, including 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide, and the Grade 1 winner Instant Friendship. The fire was the first in the farm’s 55-year history. 

Fraternal Twins

Written by Bill Orzell on . Posted in Featured, Winner's Circle.


The Leavitt paddock, an original component of the 1902 W.C. Whitney rebuild of Saratoga Race course, which functions presently as the NYRA pari-mutuel annex and racing office. Author provided image.

William C. Whitney presided over a consortium which assumed ownership of the Saratoga Race Course during the late autumn of 1900. Under his leadership, the racing plant underwent a major improvement, entailing relocating and enlarging the track and repositioning all the structures surrounding it. His long-range vision of this development, which also involved purchasing additional acres, resulted in what we are familiar with presently, much to the benefit of a grateful posterity, who continue years and generations of enjoyment.

The track we know today, with its special mystique, was completed for the 1902 season under the direction of architect Charles W. Leavitt. During this same period, Mr. Whitney was simultaneously involved with building the new Belmont Park on Long Island, also under the design and direction of Mr. Leavitt.

As to be expected with two separate projects under the management of the same connections, some design coincidences occurred at the Spa and Belmont Park. This would dictate some shared designs at both facilities, with the paddocks being sensational examples of this fortuitous overlap.

Charles Leavitt designed the elliptical paddock building ready for the 1902 Saratoga season and also at the original Belmont Park, which opened in 1905, with a similar elliptical structure, only slightly larger. The New York version provided 36 stalls, while at Saratoga, 25 stalls sufficed.

The distinctive oval shaped roofs of these paddock buildings were supported by wood trusses with iron bracing, supported on simple posts. The unusual hip-ellipse roof employed slate and a series of dormers for ventilation. The shape of the structures’ form followed the function of their purpose, to allow for saddling and walking of horses before going to post, while providing shelter from the sun and elements. The structures provided an area of inspection for the paddock judge, owners, trainers, jockeys and spectators, with proper separation of all those scrutinizing the runners before proceeding to the walking ring. The picturesque setting and nearness of the horses being prepared under the fountain elms had long distinguished Saratoga’s charm and separated it from other race venues.

An additional successful use of the paddock buildings, which were a type of open-view barn, was their supplementary use as a horse auction ring. 

Belmont Park had an unusual requirement for Architect Leavitt, where it had been decided to use the European-style clockwise direction on the race track, sometimes referred to as “Continental” style differing from the American-standard of counter-clock racing direction when the track was built.

Champion Man o’ War was sold at auction as a yearling at the Saratoga elliptical paddock in 1918, and was later saddled in the Belmont elliptical paddock in 1920 where the Hall of Famer won the Belmont Stakes, which was interestingly the last to be contested in the “Continental” style.

After the Belmont Fall Meet of 1920, the racing direction was revised from a clockwise direction. This placed the clubhouse and paddock on the wrong side of the finish line, and the unique paddock was cast-off for parking and later demolished for still more parking space.

The graceful elliptical Leavitt Paddock at the Spa was modified by NYRA into a pari-mutuel annex and racing offices in 1963, and continues in that use presently. Many have expressed the opinion that returning the paddock building to its original purpose would add yet another marvelous aspect to racing at Saratoga.