Fun in Saratoga

Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk on December 3rd, 2009

The 2009 Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk will be held on Thursday December 3rd, 2009 from 6-10PM in downtown Saratoga Springs.  This is of course a great event that is one of the highlights of the holiday season in Saratoga Springs. 

 

Susan Farnsworth, of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, told me that the free event will include 49 venues and that there will be quite a bit of entertainment.   More information will be forthcoming soon on the DBA web site.  As always, businesses will be open late and Broadway will be closed to vehicular traffic. Let's hope the weather cooperates this year - remember 3 years ago when the temperature was in the low 60s?  This year I hope to make both the festival as well as the Festival of Trees.  See you there. 

 

Saratoga Arts Fest to he held June 10-13, 2010

I received the below information from the Saratoga Arts Fest organizers and am posting it FYI:

Save the Dates! June 10-13, 2010 In This Issue Arts Groups Receive Funds for 2010 SaratogaArtsFest Artist Application Deadlines Approaching Partner Guiding Statement Reflects Collaboration News from Our Partners Donations Available for Silent Auctions & Events Interested in the arts? Have a little time to spare? Support SaratogaArtsFest 2010 Quick Links SaratogaArtsFest Website Sponsor Information Get Involved Join Our List November 2009 Arts Groups Receive Nearly $10,000 for 2010 SaratogaArtsFest Programming This year, SaratogaArtsFest launched a new grants initiative to provide opportunities for Partner programming support. For the first time, we are able to support Partner programming with nearly $10,000 in funds to our Partner arts organizations, helping them to enhance their programming for the 2010 festival. The grant recipients are the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Caffè Lena, the Empire State College Foundation of the State University of New York, Home Made Theater, Lake George Opera at Saratoga, and the Saratoga Chamber Players. The recipients were selected by a grant review committee made up of local grant administrators and artists. READ MORE on the exciting performances to be funded by these grants, and comments from some of the partner organizations on the impact of this funding.   Funding for SaratogaArtsFest Partner programming support is made possible by the generosity of donors and from the proceeds of Prelude, our signature fundraiser that kicks off SaratogaArtsFest each year. Deadlines Approaching for Artist Applications for 2010 SaratogaArtsFest Artists are still encouraged to apply for SaratogaArtsFest 2010. There are different application forms for performing artists and visual artists. The final deadline for performing artists is December 1. Visual artists are encouraged to apply by December 1, with a final deadline of February 1, 2010. Letters of notification will be sent to all artists in mid-February 2010. Partner Guiding Statement Reflects Collaboration SaratogaArtsFest has developed the following statement to guide our work with our Partner organizations, which include wide-ranging community organizations, arts venues, galleries and museums, performing arts organizations, public and private schools, and places of worship. (See the complete list of SaratogaArtsFest's 2009 Partners.)   Partner Guiding Statement SaratogaArtsFest works in partnership with community and arts organizations to grow audiences for all the arts in Saratoga. Collaborating in the areas of programming, exhibits, financial and logistical support, and marketing and outreach efforts, SaratogaArtsFest and Partner organizations enrich the arts landscape and encourage increased cultural tourism in our region. News from Our Partners Flores Fine Art Gallery:  4th Annual Landscape Show November 13 at 7 p.m. at 462 Broadway, 2nd floor Albany Symphony Orchestra:  Composer to Center Stage   The ASO's Composer to Center Stage program continues its commitment of advancing new music, and is a symbol of the recognition the ASO has received in its field. Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program fosters collaboration between the ASO and several nationally-acclaimed composers over the next three years, generating a variety of concert and commissioning events, recordings, community engagement and educational outreach activities. All of this promises exciting and innovative experiences in store for ASO audiences. Take a look at the exciting things the ASO is doing this year as part of Composer to Center Stage, and be sure to Listen Adventurously!   Partners, do you have news to share?  E-mail Kirstin Drabek (kdrabek@skidmore.edu) and we will publish it in our December newsletter. ARTSPASS Donations Available for Silent Auctions and Events Are you organizing a special fundraiser or member appreciation event for a community group? SaratogaArtsFest may be able to donate an ARTSPASS Admission Package to help out your cause. We make these donations to events that will attract a crowd of 150 or more adults. We will provide a colorful ARTSPASS certificate for the recipient, including instructions about how to redeem the award next spring. For more information, contact marketing@saratogaartsfest.org Interested in the arts? Have a little time to spare? June sounds far away, but we are already making plans for promotions and advance sales for SaratogaArtsFest 2010. If you would like to help, we have a number of opportunities! Contributions of just a few hours to pass out promotional materials or volunteer at advance sales events would be very much appreciated. E-mail us at volunteers@saratogaartsfest.org to volunteer. Support SaratogaArtsFest 2010 There are a wide range of sponsorships available for SaratogaArtsFest for businesses and individuals within a variety of budget ranges. Your tax-deductible contribution to SaratogaArtsFest, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity, is vital to the ongoing success of our citywide celebration of the arts. Contact sponsors@saratogaartsfest.org to learn about the many benefits of being a sponsor. Sincerely, SaratogaArtsFest

Saratoga Springs First Night 5K run accepting applications

I received the below email from the Saratoga YMCA First Night  5K organizers regarding signing up for this run. They are limiting slots to the first 1,000 runners, so you may wish to register early.

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Dear Fellow Runner, Registration for this year's First Night Saratoga 5K Run is now in its second week and registrations are running (no pun intended) ahead of last year.    Why miss out on this great New Year's Eve tradition in Saratoga Springs.  As in the past, we are only taking 1,000 registrations.  Register now or download an application at www.ymcasaratoga.org .   We are still the ONLY NEW YEAR'S EVE RACE IN THE SARATOGA/CAPITOL REGION.  If you want to run under the stars on New Year's Eve, you should be registering now.  Runner's World magazine has listed our race as one of their favorite races for December.   The Awards (5 year age categories) will begin after the last runner crosses the finish line, which gives you and your family plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the First Night celebration in downtown Saratoga Springs.  For your convenience, you can also order your First Night Buttons, and we will have them ready for you at packet pick-up.   All finishers will receive a First Night commemorative medal.   We will not be mailing out applications.  For complete information go to www.ymcasaratoga.org where you can register right now.  We are not charging any additional fees for registering on-line.   The $20 early registration fee is good until November 27, when it will then go to $25.   Hope to see you on New Year's Eve.   Jeffrey Allen Race Director First Night is presented by the YMCA of Saratoga

Comedy Works moves to the Starting Gate Bar and Grill

I was driving past the Starting Gate Bar and Grill (12 Ballston Avenue in front of the Hi Roc/Strike Zone Bowling Alleys) two days ago and I noticed a sign for The Comedy Works out front.  I drove by too quickly to confirm whether the sign was for the Starting Gate, Hi Roc, or whatever, and and I didn't think much more about it.  I guess I should have had my blogging hat on because I just noticed this article in The Albany Business Review confirming that The Comedy Works did indeed move to the Starting Gate, formerly known as the Olde Gaslight Tavern.  My original thought after reading the article was that The Starting Gate was too small for live comedy, but then I realized that the small and crowded venues are very intimate and often even more fun for live acts, whether it is music, comedy, or something else, so I will remain open minded about that and I hope to check it out soon. 

 

I've lived in many parts of New York State and let me say we are fortunate here in Saratoga Springs to have so many options for entertainment, dining, and other enjoyable events.  I've lived in areas where there's so little going on, or what was going on was simply so unappealing that it seemed that many of the locals just sat in dreary bars and drank.  Here it's a different story.  Whether it's a sports event, great dining, something at SPAC, or a music or comedy act downtown, we have great choices year round.  We shouldn't take any of this for granted, and we should do our best to patronize these venues, both for our own enjoyment and to ensure the success of these entities so they will continue to help make Saratoga Springs such a great place to live.  If you would like more information about The Comedy Works, call (877) JOKE-TIX or go to www.thecomedyworks.com

Business Showcase tomorrow at the city Center from 4:30PM - 7PM

There will be dozens of businesses and other participants in this year's showcase.  The Chamber of Commerce is charging $5.00 per person for admission, but there is no word on what exactly the proceeds will be used for.  I don't recall paying in previous years - is this something new?  Anyway I do enjoy this event and the restaurant samples alone make the event worthwhile, so I hope to see you there.

Civil war encampment at Congress Park this weekend

Well the picture says it all, except the times, which are from 9am-4pm.  I stopped through last year and it was pretty cool and really you can spend just a few minutes there and get a good feel for it - it's certainly not an all day thing or even an hour thing unless you really are into that and want to experience it in depth.  You can read more from the Saratogian here.

Saratogian offering meet -n- greet at Holiday Inn

The Saratogian is having "an informal community get together" on Monday September 21st at 7PM at the Holiday Inn and we're all invited.  They will have snacks, sweets, and, are you sitting down?  You can win an umbrella.  Yes, it's true.  You can read more about it in The Saratogian here. 

Local Living Harvest Fest coming September 26th, 2009

I just received this in my email and I want to pass it along.  You can order your tickets on line or you can email the organization for more information at harvestfest2009@gmail.com.  Harvest Fest is described as "a celebration of local farming, community, and commerce".  For varying prices, you can enjoy lunch and/or dinner, beer,  cider, desserts, demonstrations, guest speakers on how local foods help a community, music, and more. It will be held at The Mouzon House as well as The Parting Glass Pub.  Sounds like an interesting day and I hope to attend at least part of it.  More information is on the flyer below. 

Emails received from the Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows

I don't know how I got on the Olde Bryan Inn (OBI) and Longfellows email list (they are both owned by Steve Sullivan) but I received two emails this week out of the blue.  I copied both below - the first is from OBI about an upcoming tapas wine dinner and the other is the "September Passport to Savings Newsletter from both restaurants.  FYI.

Tapas Wine Dinner Featuring Wines from Argentina and Chile The Olde Bryan Inn Wednesday, September 23rd 6:00 p.m. Reception: Assorted Tortillas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo Seterano and Manchego Croquettes Jerk Pork Quesadillas Wine: 2008 Trapiche Torrontes First Course: Pan Seared Scallop laced with Romesco Sauce Wine: 2006 Salentein Chardonnay Reserve Second Course: Crunchy Tostada Shrimp Salad accompanied by Pablano Gazpacho Wine: 2008 Cono Sur Viognier Third Course: Chorizo Sausage and Chicken Roulade Wine: 2007 Santa Rita Carmenere Fourth Course: Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Seared Tuna Veracruz Wine: 2006 Salentein Malbec 2007 Dona Paula Malbec Dessert: Banana Mango Pinyata with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream $75.00 per person. *Includes tax and gratuity. RSVP The Olde Bryan Inn @ 518-587-2990 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olde Bryan Inn 123 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-2990 www.oldebryaninn.com

 

Longfellows & Olde Bryan Inn Restaurant September E-News! Summers over, the kids are getting back to school, and the crisp fall air is bringing in one of the prettiest seasons of the year to Saratoga! The Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant want to thank all our out of town visitors that stayed and played during August and we hope to see you sometime sooner than next summer! We especially want to thank all our Passport to Savings members and regular guests who didn’t mind the Track crowds and as we promised, got you in quickly to enjoy a fun night at the OBI or at Longfellows! www.longfellows.com 500 Union Avenue • Saratoga Springs • NY • 12866 Phone (518) 587-0108 Hotel Happenings With the fall season approaching quickly, we all know that getting away to Saratoga means Shows, Festivals, Art, Food, Battles, and the list goes on and on… Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant want to remind everyone that spending one fun packed night in Saratoga is great! Spending three nights though, “That’s An Adventure!” (more) Known for Health, History, and Horses, Saratoga can offer Vacationers and Staycationers a hugh variety of day trips to Spas, Historical Battles, the Arts District on Beekman St., Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the Adirondacks, and so much more! (more) Longfellows Hotel offers over night packages for any three night combination starting at $595 per couple including dinner and lunch once during your stay, lite breakfast each day, in one of our Luxurious 2-floor Lofted Rooms with Jet Tub*. We understand also if you can only sneak away for a one nighter, so lets help there too! Longfellows Romance or Relaxation Packages can tuck you away for a well deserved one night get away! (more) For more information on all our packages, call today (518) 587-0108. *Restrictions apply. Based on availability. Longfellows Fireside Tavern Longfellows welcomes all our Passport to Savings members and all our "Neighbors"  back to Longfellows for another exciting month of Tavern Tuesday's! 9/8/2009 Starting the month off with a Global Favorite, come in Tuesday and enjoy “The Stoli Vodka Family of Flavors” hosted by the Prestige Division of Empire Merchants. 9/15/2009 Come in for a taste of Octoberfest in September. Ed Valenta from Harpoon Brewery will be offering: Harpoon IPA, Octoberfest, and Hard Cider samples. 9/22/2009 Local Distributors Saratoga Eagle will be coming to Longfellows Tavern with several newly released Crafted Beers! Join Chris Dooling from Saratoga Eagle for a fun night of new beer! 9/29/2009 Lets not forget the wine! Empire Merchants join us with several Pinot Noirs from around the world to wrap up another month of Tavern Tuesdays! Longfellows Restaurant - "Our Neighborhood Specials" Menu "Our Neighborhood Specials" menu offers an amazing three course meal Sunday through Friday as long as you’re seated before 7:00pm. View "Our Neighborhood Specials" menu. Chef's Corner: Asian Ginger Slaw Click here to view and print this recipe! www.oldebryaninn.com 123 Maple Avenue • Saratoga Springs • NY • 12866 Phone (518) 587-2990 OBI Happenings For a night of good food, great friends, and a dose of your favorite Celtic Musicians, stop by Wednesday September 9th or the 23rd!  Notice to all our Mug Club and Wine Club members, the next event will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd from 6-7:30 on the Outside Patio.  Please stop by and visit with your favorite bartenders and get more information or call to RSVP. Our next wine dinner will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd.  This events theme will be Italian food and wine!  Come see Chef Lou, John and Ed create some Italian magic on the Outside Patio. The Olde Bryan Inn is proud to announce we're on Facebook. Check us out and become a fan! 1825 Menu The year, 1825!  The Buildings owner, Alexander Bryan, and one of the best places in town for Lunch and Dinner…”The Olde Bryan Inn!”  To commemorate this fine establishment, the OBI is proud to present our “1825 Menu.”  For a tremendous meal and even better value, stop by for dinner and ask about all our specials. View 1825 menu Olde Bryan Inn Special Menus The Olde Bryan Inn wants all our guests to know were aware of special dietary needs that some guests have and are proactively preparing menus designed to offer healthy alternatives to our regular menu without giving up on flavor!  For other options like Gluten-Free or Vegetarian menus please view the attached menus and keep in mind, if you have a special need, please don’t hesitate explaining to your server and ask them for suggestions.  Chef John and his team are well versed and willing to try and accommodate those special needs. Chefs Corner: Marinated Stuffed Shrimp Click here to view and print this recipe! Starting this month, Longfellows will be hosting a newly formed; “Monthly Community Prayer Breakfast.” At the present time, when stress and anxiety have become so apparent in our daily lives, there is a dire need for personal and community support for each other. With this in mind, we’re offering a “Monthly Interfaith Prayer Breakfast” starting on Thursday September 10th, 2009. These meetings will be conducted on each 2nd Thursday at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave in Saratoga Springs, NY. All are welcome to attend this Community interactive experience that will focus on embracing spirituality and faith in the human spirit. For reservations please call: (518) 587-0108.  For more information prior to the event please call: (518) 587-9104.

Longfellows Hotel, Restaurant & Conference Center 500 Union Avenue • Saratoga Springs • NY • 12866 Phone (518) 587-0108

Olde Bryan Inn Restaurant 123 Maple Avenue • Saratoga Springs • NY • 12866 Phone (518) 587-2990

Great event at Universal Preservation Hall on Saturday

Click here to find out more about the great evening at Universal Preservation Hallthis Saturday.  Hope you can make it!