House of the Week: Stunning Condo For Sale
Saratoga Springs Approves Jan. 28 “Special” Election for Vacant Council Seat
SARATOGA SPRINGS —It is the day some of the music world’s biggest stars came together to record the song “We Are The World,” and the day of tragedy when millions watched NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger explode shortly after liftoff on live TV. January 28 marks the date Jackson Pollock was born, the date W.B. Yeats died, and in 2025 will potentially be the day when voters in Saratoga Springs head to local polls to elect a member who will fill the City Council’s vacant fifth seat.
The City Council on Oct. 15 approved a resolution to request a “special” election be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 to elect a Commissioner of Public Works/City Council member.
The Jan. 28 proposal now heads to the Saratoga County Board of Elections to seek the approval of county election commissioners Cassandra Bagramian (D) and Joseph Suhrada (R) and onward for the ultimate approval from the state Board of Elections.
The Commissioner of Public Works is departmentally responsible for oversight of Saratoga Springs’ street and highway maintenance, its buildings and grounds, and for ensuring that the water system provides sufficient quantities of safe potable water, among other duties.
The position also plays a role in the legislative body of city government by placing the commissioner at the City Council table. The Council proposes and enacts legislation and establishes policy for the city. The mayor and four commissioners form the five-member City Council, and having five members is key in potentially acting as a tiebreaking vote in any deadlocked city-related decisions at the table where majority rules.
The seat has been vacant for two months. Prior DPW Commissioner Jason Golub announced his pending resignation in mid-July with a departure date in mid-August. The remaining four-member City Council had been unable to come to majority consensus regarding how it should proceed to fill the seat, until this week’s agreement on a “special” election date.
Additional resolutions aimed at finding a temporary solution by appointing someone as DPW Commissioner/City Council member, however, were unsuccessful. Those plans sought to first appoint members to an ad hoc committee to invite, interview and recommend – in a non-binding way – qualified candidates to assist the council in determining who would meet their ultimate approval. A revised version may potentially be presented at the council’s next scheduled meeting in early November.
The term of the seat to be filled, like all current City Council seats, would be active through Dec. 31, 2025.
A Guide to October Mischief
Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours
Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute-long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $22 adults, $10 kids under 12. HauntedSaratogaTours.com
ANNUAL ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW FUNDRAISER
Get ready to do the time warp once more! RISE Housing and Support Services is thrilled to announce the third annual Rocky Horror Picture Show fundraiser happening on Friday, October 25, at 6 p.m., at the Universal Preservation Hall, 125 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. This year, the venue will once again transform into a scene straight out of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mansion, as attendees enjoy a unique and interactive viewing of the cult classic film. The event begins with a special VIP cocktail hour, complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations provided by The Adelphi, an open bar, and live music by Stretch. A brief speaking program then, it’s showtime—get ready for a night of thrilling audience participation! For tickets or more information, visit https://www.riseservices.org/event/rocky-horror-picture-show/
ZOMBIE ZIPS – A NIGHT OF TERROR
Mountain Ridge Adventure, 300 Weatherwax Rd., Schenectady. Your nightmare begins with a corpse-guided tour along a serial killer infested forest to then be hauled into the trees among complete, utter horror. Once in the trees you will be launched in complete darkness … alone, afraid and vulnerable … along a screaming steel cable hundreds of feet along Mountain Ridge Adventure’s awesome Zip Line Park. ZOMBIE ZIP LINING is intended for mature audiences ONLY. Ages 14 and above will be strictly adhered to. Friday and Saturday nights through October 26. For more information, visit mountainridgeadventure.com
HAUNTED CORN MAZE
Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way thru the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry. Open Dusk until 10 p.m. (last ticket sold 9:15 p.m., no exceptions). For more information, visit Schuylerfarms.com
NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM
At Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm, you will find a variety of haunted attractions, all full of the scariest monsters and creepiest creatures you can dream up. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, and they’re sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Featuring multiple haunted attractions for the price of one! Farmer’s Haunted House, Field of Screams, Underground Tunnel, 3D McCobb Manor. Forest of Fear. Screams begin at 7 p.m. Last admission sold at 9:30 p.m. Farm closes after all guests have completed Nightmares. Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road Schaghticoke, NY 12154. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com.
FIELD OF HORRORS
Located at 100 Farrell Rd., Troy. Field of Horrors offers several different attractions for the price of one! Check out Return of Mummy’s Curse, The Crypt, Insanity, Condemned Manor, and more, including the “Walking Trail of Terror.” Field of Horrors is not recommended for children under 10. Strobe lights are in use throughout the premises. All fog machine liquid is water based. This is not a handicap accessible facility. October 11-13: 6:30 – 11 p.m, October 18-20, October 25-27, November 2 (Extreme Scare Night): 6 – 11 p.m. Gates close at 11 p.m. and you need at least 2 hours to get through all attractions. For more information, visit fieldofhorrors.com.
HAUNTED HAYRIDE
Each wagon has a narrator on board to guide the way through the darkness. Around each and every corner there’s a frightful scene and behind each and every tree lurks an uninvited guest waiting for you! The woods are filled with terror and surprise, an atmosphere sure to make you scream. At the conclusion of the hayride, your journey will continue on foot into Brutality, a post-apocalyptic compound. Then, you’ll come to Blood Moon Farm (see what lurks among the rows!). Next up is The Last Inn, a residence that is known for a disappearing guest or two and a vicious staff. Then enter the Doom County FEARgrounds, a carnival where there will be no fun and games. Your destination is Slaughter Swamp, a dangerous environment straight out of the bayou. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. October 11-13, October 18-20, October 24-27, and October 31 – November 2. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/
Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tours
Thursday, October 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m. A unique 90-minute guided trolley tour of numerous ghostly locations in Saratoga, including the second floor of the famed Canfield Casino. Pursue the stories of Saratoga that make the city a portal of paranormal activity. Led by local historian Charlie Kuenzel, the stories are derived from research by noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators. Get on board for a fun filled evening of eerie entertainment! Join us if you dare! Advanced reservations only. Due to the macabre material, this tour is recommended for adults only. For their safety, please leave your pets at home. No food or alcoholic beverages on board the trolley – water only please! You’ll be transported in the comfort of a beautiful trolly but please dress according to the season –costumes are welcomed! Please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3rd Annual Witch Walk & Dance
An exciting community event blending fun, philanthropy, and Halloween spirit, returns to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 19. Hosted by Witch Walk SOSA (Southern Saratoga), this event will raise crucial funds to support local animal rescue efforts while offering participants a magical day filled with entertainment, costumes, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear their best witch costumes and join the enchanting walk and dances through downtown Saratoga Springs. The festivities will begin at 37 High Rock Ave, Lower-Level Parking Garage, and culminate in a lively celebration featuring local vendors, live performances, and Halloween-themed activities. For full details about participation, donations, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.discoversaratoga.org/witch-walk-sosa/ or contact Phaedra aka Wylda “Head Witch” at witchwalksosa@gmail.com or 518-882-9286.
Greenfield Fall Festival
October 20 at Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners. The free event includes an Oktoberfest 5K at 10 a.m. (register at skireg.com) and is followed by a full afternoon including trick or treating to decorated golf carts sprinkled on the course, Giant Pumpkin and donut eating contests, live music, food specials, a live animal show and more. The afternoon festivities are from 1 to 5 p.m. Interested businesses, families and other groups may reserve a golf cart to decorate and handout candy. Call 518-893-7432, ext. 307 to reserve a cart and participate in the fun. No registration is necessary to attend the free event.
Twilight Greenridge Cemetery Tour
“Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences”. Join tour leader Gloria May to get in the spooky Halloween spirit by exploring Greenridge Cemetery at dusk. This tour meets at the Sackett Gate entrance on Lincoln Avenue, Saratoga Springs, at 5 p.m. on October 22. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, require walking and standing on varied terrain and are held rain or shine. Tours will be limited to thirty and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation Members with stroll passes must call the office in advance to reserve their spot. For additional information on this autumn stroll or to purchase tickets to any of these upcoming tours visit the website saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org.
ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE FOR CHARITY
The Fraternal Order of Eagles #2486’s Annual Haunted House is back on Friday, October 25, 6 -10 p.m. and Saturday, October 26 from 5 – 10 p.m. at 80 Main St., South Glens Falls. Admission is free but donations are encouraged to help local charities and families in need. Don’t be a Scaredy Cat, bring your friends and family for a scary good time!
STILLWATER FALL FETIVAL
Saturday, October 26, Noon – 4 p.m. Various locations in Stillwater. Walk through the Village while trick-or-treating and playing games for free! Some organizations have food, some have snacks, all have the goodies! Make sure to come in costume and bring your crowd-friendly animals too! Haunted firehouse, Trunk-or-Treat, and so much more!
TRUNK & TREATS
A free event hosted at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs, October 26, 2 – 5 p.m. Trucks from local businesses will roll down to the education center at 15 Henning Road in Saratoga Springs, gather in the parking lot and give out treats to the public. Additional food items will be available for purchase. Back hoes, excavators, dump trucks, cement trucks, ladder truck, tow plow and tractor trailers will be some of the many types of trucks on display. WSWHE BOCES alumni and staff will also participate by decorating their vehicles. For more information about the event, email SBitzer@dwswheboces.org.
Annual Boo2You Halloween Festival
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. Children and their grown-ups are encouraged to attend in costume to trick-or-treat and enjoy the festivities. This event is rain or shine, unless the weather is unsafe. Activities include trick-or-treating at downtown storefronts and along the sidewalks, live dance performances by local dance groups, music by DJ Young Pete, free pony rides and more! The majority of the action will take place along Glen and Ridge Streets, and in City Park, all in Downtown Glens Falls.
Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino
Join our ghost tours on October 30, 5 – 7 p.m., for a spine-tingling journey! Step into the Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs’ most haunted and historic landmark, for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget! Historic and Haunted: The Canfield Casino isn’t just any old building—it’s one of the most haunted places in America! Featured on Ghost Hunters and named the 4th Most Terrifying Place in America by the Travel Channel, this is where history and the paranormal collide. Eerie Atmosphere: Feel the chills as you explore darkened corridors and shadowy corners where the spirits of the past still linger. The very air inside seems to whisper of untold stories and ghostly encounters. Tours are limited and sell out quickly, so don’t wait! For just $25 per person, you can embark on a journey through the haunted halls of the Canfield Casino. Pick your preferred time slot and get ready for a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
FRIGHT FEST
Fright by Night – Be very afraid. We’ve heightened the fright this year at Six Flags. Come if you dare. No costumes for guest over the age of 12. For days, times and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest
Boo Fest by Day
Explore spooky fun for all ages every Saturday and Sunday through October 27. Family favorite coasters and park rides in the daylight, trick-or-treating around the park and activities while exploring what the park has to offer. Free admission for kids under 2 yrs. old. https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest
Spa Catholic Soccer Squad Has Miraculous Season
Saratoga Central Catholic girls soccer coaches Brian Venn and Tony Nucera pose alongside the team prior to their “pink” game against Mekeel Christian Academy on Monday afternoon. Photo by Super Source Media.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Perhaps it’s fitting that the Saratoga Central Catholic girls soccer team is called the Saints; it’s a small miracle that the team exists in the first place.
While other Spa Catholic sports have modified, junior varsity, and varsity teams, the girls soccer program has been struggling just to put together one varsity team, Coach Brian Venn said.
“Sometimes we don’t have enough for a full roster,” Venn said. “Our first couple of games this year, we didn’t have enough subs, so we were sometimes playing shorthanded.”
Despite the team struggling to recruit enough players to take the field, they’ve managed to win 7 games this season and have a realistic shot at finishing with a .500 winning percentage. And some of the Saints’ notable on-field contributors include several girls who had never even played organized soccer before.
“Word of mouth is powerful, especially for kids that have never played before,” Venn said. “Having their friends say, ‘don’t be nervous, don’t have anxiety, just come out and have fun.’”
One senior, Emily Sylvain, decided to sign up for soccer despite not having much experience on the field. At the Saints’ October 14 game against Mekeel Christian Academy, she was the squad’s starting striker.
But Sylvain isn’t the Saints’ only success story. Senior captain Sydney Caracci is one of the team’s leaders in both goals and assists. Sophomore captain Addison Quail leads the team in assists and is credited with helping first-year players. Senior Grace Venn, a second-year captain, solidifies the middle and right sides of the team’s defense, while also offering guidance to younger players. And juniors Ava Brown and Allison Fuller are poised to become standouts next year as the team continues to grow, Venn said.
The biggest success story, however, may be Coach Venn and Co-Coach Tony Nucera’s determined efforts to revitalize the school’s soccer program.
“[The goal] is to make Spa Catholic a destination for soccer, not only girls, but boys as well,” Venn said. “I think a lot of our planning is going to have to do with creating a smaller pipeline where we can look at some of the other, not only diocese schools, but also public schools, and make it more appealing if your daughter or son is playing soccer to come to Spa Catholic. Up until this year, we really haven’t had the momentum to make it a soccer destination and that’ll take four or five years, I’m sure.”
In the meantime, the Saints are focused on winning their final game of the season. If they do, they’ll enter the postseason as a third or fourth seed, something the team hasn’t done in nearly a decade.
It would be just another small, unexpected miracle for the Saints.
Saratoga Pinball Wizard Hopes to Open Playable Museum
Pinball machines at the Saratoga Silverball Show in 2023.
Photo provided by Lonnie Linen.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When Lonnie Linen was only a teenager, his father died in a car accident. Linen felt lost, unsure of what to do in life. But his father left something behind that would awaken a lifelong passion.
“[My] dad had some slot machines in his house,” Linen said, “and so I took them and I renovated the basement and I made a game room. I was like, I’ll put dad’s slot machines there so I always see them and think of him.”
The touching homage to his late father sparked an idea in Linen: what if he got a pinball machine to add to his collection?
“I found a machine,” Linen said, “it was like a $150. It was falling apart. It was all rotten. The cabinet was all water damaged. It was held together by three-inch lag screws. It was beat.”
At the time, Linen worked at the now-closed RadioShack on Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs. He hauled his new prize to work and his boss allowed him to keep the machine in the store for a while.
“My buddy at the time, Ed, was like ‘I hope you have space. It’s never just one. They will multiply.’ I was like, dude I am a broke college kid. I have nothing. And he was like, ‘you’ll find a way.’ Sure enough, he was right. Now I have 60 of them.”
Linen’s sizable collection includes the 1980s medieval fantasy-themed “Sorcerer,” the rare “Deadly Weapon,” the classic “Fish Tales,” “Spectra IV” (a square-shaped cocktail game that spins around), “Caveman” (a pinball machine with a video game inside it), and the ultra-rare “Safety Zone.”
One machine that Linen hopes to add to his lineup is a 1948 “Saratoga,” manufactured by Williams. The game’s backglass features artwork of dressed-up ladies during Saratoga’s Gilded Age, sauntering through a garden outside a grand hotel. “Saratoga” was the first machine to feature thumper bumpers or pop bumpers, which used a metal ring to repel the ball. In other words, Saratoga already has its own unique place in pinball history.
Now, Linen hopes to make Saratoga a pinball capital by opening an interactive museum that would host his collection and allow visitors to play the silver ball. Considering the Saratoga area is already home to one-of-a-kind museums such as the X-Files Preservation Collection (which features an X-Files pinball machine) and the National Bottle Museum, perhaps a pinball museum would fit right in.
Because Linen has been collecting and repairing machines for nearly a decade, the proposed museum’s maintenance would be handled by him and a few other local techs. As the organizer of the annual Saratoga Silverball Show, as well as the Saratoga Pinball League (hosted on Sunday afternoons at the Wow! Arcade in the Wilton Mall), Linen also has the requisite experience running pinball events.
Linen said he hopes the museum would capture a “joyful essence” that he finds lacking at many entertainment centers and arcades around the country.
“Trying to run a business and make money gets in the way of our mission: to bring the retro nostalgic joy back to older generations, and give future generations a chance to experience it firsthand,” Linen said. “My focus, and the mission of Saratoga Silverball/Saratoga Pinball Museum is to get people into pinball and build a scene in upstate New York.”
Linen is currently trying to raise $7,500 to cover the museum’s initial legal and startup fees.
To learn more about the museum or to make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-launch-the-saratoga-pinball-museum
An advertisement for the Williams “Saratoga” pinball machine, circa 1948. Image via the Internet Pinball Machine Database.
Schuylerville Soccer Squad Has Strong Start
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville boys varsity soccer team launched into the new season with four straight shutouts last month, demonstrating impressive play on both sides of the ball.
“Playing team defense and limiting opportunities on our goal is what we are always looking to do,” Head Coach Dave Gauci told Saratoga TODAY. “It’s a pretty versatile group that has knowledge of the game.”
Gauci called first-year keeper Asher Harrison “tremendous” and also praised Nate Lanfear and Willem Foster. “We have some young guys in some important positions so we are looking for them to develop fast,” Gauci said.
The team’s shutout streak began with a September 18, 4-0 victory against Scotia-Glenville. In that contest, Alex Renner and Nate Lanfear both earned a goal and an assist to lead the Black Horses. Colden Harrison and Dom Letzring also found the net.
That game was followed by a 1-0 win at South Glens Falls. The lone goal came during the second half, when Justin Nolazco-Lopez found a streaking Alex Renner for the winning score. Harrison had 6 saves.
The next two shutouts against Corinth and Hudson Falls were both dominant victories. The Black Horses won 6-0 and 7-0, respectively. Against Corinth, Nolzco-Lopez had a hat trick within the first 25 minutes of play. In the Hudson Falls game, Nolzco-Lopez scored another two goals while Harrison notched his fifth total shutout of the season.
The Horses’ four-game shutout streak ended on September 30 when they tied Queensbury, 1-1. The team then lost twice in back-to-back games against Colonie Central and Amsterdam, but rebounded with yet another shutout, 5-0, on October 7 against Stillwater.
In the latest shutout, Harrison picked up 3 saves while Matt Delassio, Tazio Helmig, Alex Renner, Willem Foster, and Luke Abrami all scored goals.
Schuylerville is next scheduled to play Glens Falls on the 9th, Gloversville on the 11th, and Greenwich on the 12th.
Schuylerville competes against Stillwater in what would become a shutout victory for the Black Horses. Photos by Super Source Media.
Saratoga Springs: $62.6 Million Budget Proposed for 2025; No Increase in Tax Rates
Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Budget presentation by Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi on Oct. 1.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi presented the city’s 2025 Comprehensive Budget on Oct. 1. The proposed $62.6 million budget for 2025 is up $1.3 million compared to the budget adopted for the current year.
The highest percentage of revenue in 2025 is anticipated to come via Sales Tax (31% – or nearly $20 million) and Property Tax (29% – or just over $18 million).
“I am pleased to announce that we’re not increasing our tax rates,” Sanghvi said.
Sanghvi noted increases in retirement ($1.2 million), hospitalization ($1.2 million), and liability insurance ($300,000) as challenges in 2025, and tax income resulting from the pending state Short Term Rental legislation, as well as a full roll-out of the local seasonal parking program and retail cannabis sales as potential opportunities.
The Public Safety department (which includes police and fire) accounts for the largest percentage of departmental budget costs (58%), with the Department of Public Works – at 20% – as second highest. It is notable that 2025 represents the final year of full funding for 16 firefighters through a Federal SAFER grant.
Overtime costs of all departments have combined for more than $1 million in each of the past three years. In 2025, $600,000 has been budgeted for overtime.
The $62.6 million budget proposal depicts a $3.6 million reduction of the total amount all departments requested.
The city was eyeing property it owns at 5 Williams St. or the lot behind City Hall for a new $25 million police station, with the first $1.5 million set aside in 2025 as part of a long-range capital plan (see: https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/city-eyes-new-25-million-police-station/), but that initial set-aside of funds won’t happen in 2025.
“Preliminary work on planning a new police station: We support the idea but we need a full plan with a proposed site and a timeline before we can start allocating money,” Sanghvi said. “While I’m concerned about the current police department facility – and we have just given monies for improvements to the facility – as the city’s chief financial officer I have to also consider the debt limit and the city’s debt service budget.”
Budget Workshops, open to the public at City Hall, are slated to take place 4 p.m. on Tuesdays – Oct. 8 (Public Safety, Finance), Oct. 22 (Public Works, Capital), Oct. 29 (Mayor, Recreation, Accounts). Public Hearings regarding the budget will take place during regular City Council meetings Oct. 15 and Nov. 6. The City Council is charged with adopting the 2025 budget by Nov. 30. If potential changes cannot be agreed upon by that point, the $62.6 million budget stands as is.
Saratoga Turning Point Events
Saratoga National Historical Park Special Events
STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in September with the following offerings:
Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13
10 am to 4 pm, Battlefield Tour Road. Activities include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sewing clothing. Experience the life of a Revolutionary War soldier!
Homefront at the Schuyler Estate: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Schuyler House. Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th Century cooking techniques. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family. And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.
18th Century Medicine: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Whitcomb’s Rangers Encampment: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Monument. Whitcomb’s Rangers, an independent company of Continental Army rangers who hailed from NH and VT, will be encamped at the Saratoga Monument. Meet some of the men whose unit helped trap the British here in Saratoga, leading to the first surrender of a British army in history.
Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour: Monday, Oct. 14, 2:00 pm, Meet at the Saratoga Monument. Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Saratoga Surrender Day: Thursday, Oct. 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Surrender Site. Visit with a park ranger to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces.
Visit go.nps.gov/saraevents for a complete and updated list.
View from recently developed “Sword Surrender” site observation plaza that overlooks the Hudson River.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
Are Eggs Benedict Named After Benedict Arnold? Revolutionary Trivia Night in Milton
BALLSTON SPA — In commemoration of the October 16, 1780, British raid along Middleline Road, The Milton 250th Revolutionary War Committee will sponsor a trivia night at Milton Tavern, 430 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Organizers say: arrive early, enjoy a dinner, and chat with the Town of Milton Historian about The Raid. Share your knowledge of local history, win Prizes, and take a photo with living historians in period attire. For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com.
Victory Season at Saratoga Oct. 17
BALLSTON SPA — “Victory Season at Saratoga,” presented by America’s Turning Point, features a series of events commemorating the 247th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga culminating in the surrender of the British on Oct. 17, 1777.
Highlights of the 2024 “Victory Season at Saratoga” include:
-The “American Revolution Experience,” a national traveling exhibit produced by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust. It showcases diverse perspectives of common people on the lead up to, and during, the War for Independence. It will be on display at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY from October 13 – October 27, 2024.
-”Surrender Day,” October 17 celebrating the surrender of a British Army for the first time in world history, marking the Turning Point of the American Revolution, features multiple events.
– Surrender Day Ceremony at Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, 10 a.m. This free, family event features a reenactment of the surrender by British General Burgoyne to American General Gates by the banks of the Hudson River, interactive music, and cannon firing. This annual event is a favorite of families with young children and elementary school classes. (weather permitting)
– Siege and Surrender Tour – Join licensed battlefield guide Pat Niles for a tour of key sites tied to the siege and surrender at Saratoga. The tour departs from America’s Turning Point Heritage Center at 30 Ferry St. Schuylerville. This is a ticketed event from 1PM – 3:30PM with limited seats on private coach. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
– An inaugural Surrender Day Benefit co-presented with SPAC and Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library/Saratoga Book Festival at Spa Little Theater from 6:30PM to 8PM featuring Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.), author of the award-winning recent book, “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution” and County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and NYS 250 Commissioner, Lauren Roberts. Local students will also be featured in the program. All proceeds benefit Campaign for Saratoga 250 & Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
“Sword Surrender” marker off Route 4 in the town of Saratoga, a half-mile south of the village of Schuylerville, where British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army to American General Horatio Gates.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
