Thursday, August 14, 2008
TRAVERS FESTIVAL, AUGUST 16 - 24
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Nine days of family festivities, live entertainment and community events will permeate the Saratoga region as the 13th annual Travers Festival returns to commemorate the running of America’s oldest stakes race, the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes presented by Shadwell Farm on Saturday, August 23.
The Travers Festival, presented by the New York Lottery and the New York Racing Association, begins on Saturday, August 16 and concludes on Sunday, August 24.
Saturday’s inaugural racing events will give way later in the week to a hot dog eating contest, an ice cream eating competition, a battle of the brews and the Travers Celebration evening fundraising gala, before culminating in the 139th edition of the Travers Stakes presented by Shadwell Farm on Saturday, August 23.
All totaled, the Travers Festival is comprised of more than 40 special events and helps generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for local non-profit organizations and regional charities.
Some of this year’s selected Travers Festival events include:
* The Eighth Annual Travers Celebration, Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, August 21, 7:30 p.m. Saratoga’s premier gala will honor 2007 Travers champion Street Sense and his connections: owner James B. Tafel, trainer Carl Nafzger and jockey Calvin Borel. The eighth annual Travers Celebration benefits the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Double H Ranch for critically and chronically ill children. Tickets are $300 per person and $3,000 for a preferred table of 10. For more information, call (518) 584-6200, x 4233.
* Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Saratoga Race Course, Monday, August 18. The Spa will invite big-eaters everywhere to “relish” in the dog days of summer with an ultimate frank fest in the backyard. Competitors will have 12 minutes to down as many dogs as possible in the hopes of winning a year’s supply of hot dogs, courtesy of Nathan’s.
* The Stewart’s Shops’ Ice Cream Eating Contest, Saratoga Race Course, Wednesday, August 20. Contestants can chill out with the summer’s “coolest” competition – ice cream eating. Competitors will be divided into three age groups – kids, teens and adults. The winner receives a bountiful supply of ice cream, courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.
* The Tenth Annual Saratoga Fashion Show, Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, August 21, 11:30 a.m. Fans of fashion will be treated to fine designs from the area’s best boutiques, an elaborate luncheon buffet and a silent auction. Runway models will feature the latest in design and millenary wear – all to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, a home-like environment providing comfort, support and respite for families of seriously ill children. For ticket information and reservations, call (518) 483-2655.
* Gary Vaynerchuk Champagne Tasting, Saratoga Race Course, Friday, August 22, 8:30 a.m. The Spa will add a bubbly twist to its traditional breakfast at the track as celebrity wine expert Gary Vaynerchuk uncorks the history and popularity of champagne with a special tasting on the clubhouse porch. During breakfast, diners can partake in a free lesson with Vaynerchuk who will educate racing fans on the sparkling wine while sampling some of this favorite “bubbly”. A 32-year old, self-taught wine connoisseur, Vaynerchuk has earned national attention with his revolutionary online webcast “The Thunder Show” on http://www.winelibrarytv.com. Known for his bold enthusiasm and vast knowledge, Vaynerchuk has quickly risen to fame with guest appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Ellen Degeneres Show, and he has garnered widespread media recognition including features by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.
* The 11th Annual Battle of the Brews, Saratoga Race Course, Friday, August 22, 12 Noon to 5 p.m. Patrons 21 and older can sample beers from the area’s best microbreweries and then vote for their favorite. Tickets are $25 and include a commemorative 2008 tasting glass. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack-Saratoga Chapter.
Below is a complete listing of 2008 Travers Festival events.
Saturday, August 16
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Races: The Alabama (GI) $600,000 & Sword Dancer (GI) $500,000. Post Time: 1 p.m.
The 38th Annual Saratoga Springs Antique Show. Canfield Casino. $7 per person. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Contact: 518-584-6920 or visit http://www.saratogapsrings-historymuseum.org.
Family Fun Weekends. New York State Museum. The Museum offers family fun with games, crafts, and other theme-based activities. Free admission. 1 – 4 p.m.
Blue Jean Makeover. New York State Museum. Give tired old jeans a wakeup call! We’ll explore the many ways to redesign your jeans, including adding different materials, making cute, and reforming them into something original and unique. List of materials will be provided at time of registration. Admission is $12 - $15. Contact: 518-473-7154.
Philadelphia Orchestra. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Tchaikovsky Spectacular including the 1812 Overture.
Saratoga Invitational Rugby Tournament. Northside Recreation Field, Saratoga Springs. Free. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Men’s Tournament. Contact: 518-447-3074.
Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and Heritage Area. 297 Broadway. Free admission. Noon – 4 p.m. Special event at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center across from historic Congress Park.
Sunday, August 17
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. John’s Call $80,000. Post Time: 1 p.m.
Saratoga Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Giveaway, Saratoga Race Course, Gates open at 10:30.m. The perfect giveaway for cool summer nights, all fans take home the Saratoga Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, free with paid admission, while supplies last, sponsored by the Adirondack Trust.
The 38th Annual Saratoga Springs Antique Show. Canfield Casino. $7 per person. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Contact: 518-584-6920 or visit http://www.saratogapsrings-historymuseum.org.
Family Fun Weekends. New York State Museum. The Museum offers family fun with games, crafts, and other theme-based activities. Free admission. 1 – 4 p.m.
Saratoga Music Festival. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the show begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40-$125 per person. Featuring Bob Dylan and his band. Contact: 518-583-3045.
Monday, August 18
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Races: Saratoga Dew (NYB) $80,000. Post Time 1 p.m.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Saratoga Race Course. Registration begins at 1 p.m. in the backyard, with the contest to follow. The winner will receive a year’s supply of hot dogs. Contact: 518-584-6200.
Saratoga Chamber Music Festival. Saratoga Performing Arts Center Little Theater. Ticket price is $36.50 or $41.50. 8 p.m. Contact: 518-587-3330.
Tuesday, August 19
Shelters of Saratoga. Union Gables B & B. An elegant garden party filled with gourmet fare, complimentary wine and music. Admission: $65 must be purchased in advance. 1-4 p.m. Contact: 518-581-1097.
"La Fiesta". NYRA Recreation Center. An annual celebration of the culture of the backstretch. Features music, crafts. Food available for purchase. No charge. 5-8 p.m. Contact 518-584-0400 ext. 133.
The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. The Clubhouse Porch, Saratoga Race Course. A look at life in Saratoga through the eyes of Latino immigrants, this photography exhibit presents the work of local Latino immigrants who have captured their lives on film. $35 admission. 5-7 p.m. Contact: 518-587-3158.
The Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage. Saratoga Springs. Admission: $4 for adults, $3 students/seniors, $2 children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Contact: 518-372-0997.
The Allman Brothers Band with Surprise Guest. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 - $59.50. Contact: 518-583-3045.
Explosive Duo. Saratoga Performing Arts Center Little Theater. 8 p.m. A pair not to be missed: Vadim Repin, violin and Nicolai Lugansky, piano. Bartok: Rhapsody for violin and piano No. 1 Sz. 86. Debussy Sonata for flute, viola and harp. Beethoven: Sonata No 9 in A major, op. 47 “Kreitzer”. Ticket prices range from $36.50 - $41.50. Contact: 518-587-3330.
Golf Tournament. Saratoga Springs. Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation will be hosting a charity golf tournament benefiting the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The tournament is held at the Saratoga National Golf Club and it is $350 per golfer. Lunch is at 12 Noon and the start time is set at 1:15 p.m. Contact: 212-521-5327.
Wednesday, August 20
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Race: Albany (NYB) $150,000. Post Time: 1 p.m.
Stewart’s Shops’ Ice Cream Eating Contest. Saratoga Race Course. Sign up or just cheer on the contestants. Event will feature three categories - kids, teens and adults. Registration begins at 12 noon in front of the Jockey Silks Room. Contact: 518-584-6200.
Belmont Child Care Association Benefit. Saratoga City Center. Western Round-Up, dinner and auction fundraiser honoring Tracy and Todd Pletcher. Admission: $250 per person. 6:30 p.m. – midnight. Contact: 516-527-4746.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Midsummer Night’s Dream. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. in the SPAC Amphitheater. Charles Dutoit, conductor and Nicolai Lugansky, piano. MENDELSSOHN: Excerpts from a Midsummer’s Night Dream. Ticket prices range from $18 - $72.50. Contact: 518-587-3330.
Thursday, August 21
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Race: Ballston Spa Hdcp. (GII) $400,000. Post Time: 1 p.m.
10th Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Fashion Show & Luncheon. Saratoga Race Course. At the Rail Pavilion. Proceeds to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Tickets $150 for guests; $250 for Honorary Committee. 11 a.m. Contact: 518-438-2655.
Greyhound Adoption Awareness Clinic. Saratoga Race Course Backyard near The Big Red Spring. Event will feature retired greyhounds that are seeking homes following the conclusion of their racing careers. Free admission. 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Contact 518-885-8526 x103.
8th Annual Travers Celebration. Saratoga Race Course. An evening of dinner and dancing to honor the winner of last year’s Travers Stakes, Street Sense. Proceeds benefit the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Double H Ranch. $300 per person, $3,000 for a preferred table of 10. Contact: 518-584-6200 x4233.
Travers Festival Children’s Parade. Congress Park. Children will dress in their prince and princess themed costumes and will meet at the Spirit of Life statue at 5 p.m. Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the children will walk the sidewalks to the City Center. Free. Sponsored by Downtown BID. Contact: 518-587-8635.
Friday, August 22
Thoroughbred Racing. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Race: Personal Ensign (GI) $400,000. Post Time: 1 pm.
11th Annual Battle of the Brews. Saratoga Race Course. Microbrew festival with sampling available to those 21 and older. Noon – 4:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter. Contact: 518-792-6545.
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. Tang Museum. Roof. Upbeat on the roof with "Doc Scanlon's Rhythm Boys.” Admission is Free. 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Contact: 518-580-5530.
10th Anniversary Travers Wine Tasting. National Museum of Racing. Swirl, sip and savor over 200 fine wines and beers from around the globe and sample cuisine from the region's most notable restaurants to benefit Senior Services of Albany’s Meals on Wheels program. Admission: $125 (Guest), $150 (Honorary), $250 (Benefactor). 7-11 p.m. Contact: 518-463-4381.
Philadelphia Orchestra: The Planets Night. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. at the SPAC amphitheater. Charles Dutoit, conductor; Yuja Wang, piano; Women of the Philadelphia Singers Chorale. Ticket prices range from $18 - $ 72.50. Contact: 518-587-3330.
Saturday, August 23
Travers Day. Saratoga Race Course. Feature Races: The Travers presented by Shadwell Farm (GI) $1,000,000; King’s Bishop (GI) $250,000; Bernard Baruch Hdcp. (GII) $200,000; Victory Ride (GIII) $100,000. Post Time: 12:45 p.m. Gates open at 7 a.m.
Philadelphia Orchestra: The Grande Finale. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. at the SPAC Amphitheater. Ticket prices range from $18 - $ 72.50. Contact: 518-587-3330.
Sunday, August 24
Family Fun Day. Wilton Mall. Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) event includes kitten & cat adoptions, clowns, face painting, carnival games. Free admission. Noon - 5 p.m. Contact: 518-885-0829.
Saratoga Chamber Music Festival – Time for Three. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 2:15 p.m. at the Little Theater. Ticket prices range from $36.50 - $41. 50. Contact: 518-587-3330.
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