SARATOGA SPRINGS — While the world celebrates the UN International Day of Peace on September 21, Saratoga is celebrating all week long, during the sixth annual Saratoga Peace Week. From Sunday, September 20 to Saturday, September 26, Saratoga will celebrate peace with numerous events, including live music, art exhibits, charity events and much more. The events, listed below, are free, unless otherwise noted.
Peace Week Schedule:
September 20
Peace Fair at PNEC Church – 12 to 4 p.m.
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, will kick off the fair at noon with free “Save our Swirled” ice cream. The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus will be performing. There will be over 50 exhibitors, Fair Trade and food vendors, as well as complementary Peace Cake for all. Donations of canned food or toiletries will graciously be accepted by Veterans for Peace.
September 21
Iraqi Refugee Art Exhibit – 4 to 7 p.m. at Senior Center of Saratoga
Presented by Mel Lehman from Common Humanity, an organization seeking to build understanding, respect and friendship with the Arab and Muslim world. There will be refreshments and music by the Danny Pravder Trio.
September 22
Artists in Exile: Iraq and Gaza – 7 to 9 p.m. at Mango Tree Imports
Provided by Common Humanity, the focus of this exhibit is teen art from Gaza. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a presentation by Rachelle Friesen, past Peace Program Coordinator in Gaza. Refreshments will be served.
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northshire Bookstore.
Meet author Steve Sheinkin, whose book follows Ellsberg’s journey from Pentagon insider to anti-war activist, who risks his freedom to leak the Pentagon Papers.
September 23
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at National Museum of Dance
Book signing from co-author, Elaine DePrince. Orphaned in Sierra Leone, Michaela DePrince, with the help of her adopted family, overcomes incredible odds to achieve her dreams.
Peace Week Story Art – 2 to 2:30 p.m. at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga
Peace-themed story and art project. Free with museum admission.
September 24
Open Mic for Peace – 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Caffè Lena
Sing a peace-related song and receive a special peace button. Or, sit back and listen to the music of others.
September 25
A Small Act (Film) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Emerson Auditorium at Skidmore
Presented by the African Heritage Awareness Club at Skidmore College, this film tells the story of a young Kenyan whose life changes drastically when his education is sponsored by a Swedish stranger. Years later, he founds a scholarship program to replicate the kindness he once received.
September 26
Dress a Girl Service Project – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Saratoga Public Library
Children and adults can accessorize simple dresses that will be sent to orphan girls in Africa. Free lunch at noon.
Toussaint Liberator (Live Music) – 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Public Library
Toussaint Liberator and his 10 year old daughter will provide original and traditional music. There will also be a fashion show for Dress a Girl Project.
Closing Ceremony – 7 to 8 p.m. at the Ndakinna Educational Center
A closing Sacred Fire Ceremony to deepen connections, release obstacles and open to the unlimited possibilities for peace in our world. Led by Shari Parslow, a shamanic practitioner.
