How to resolve AdBlock issue? Family Night at the Spa is highlighted by a myriad of family entertainment and an old-fashioned picnic contest that awards $1,000 to the winner, with the judging to be based on creativity and presentation. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and all picnic entries must be registered at the gate by 7:15 p.m.
“We feel that it is appropriate to open our signature events with festivities for families—at SPAC, our community’s most famous entertainment venue,” said Saratoga 150 Committee Chairman Charles V. Wait. “The backbone of Saratoga historically has been the best in thoroughbred racing and strong family values engendering a spirit of pride and volunteerism, an appreciation of history and a love for the arts and entertainment. This special Saratoga set of diverse values is what prompted us to begin our five-month celebration in a family atmosphere, at the arts center.”
Plenty of old-fashioned and present-day entertainment will be presented, from four different ethnic bands—Irish, Italian, Polish and Latin—to small stage entertainment by specialized children’s performing groups with Irish step dancing, singing and orchestral sounds and a magic show by AaronRabkin.
Shows by Brad Zapp, a memory expert, juggler and circus-act teacher; storytellers; and a wildlife act will be performed throughout the evening. The storytellers will feature Irish folklore, stories about life on a farm and authentic Mohawk tribe tales by a Native American. The lawn will feature children’s games and bounce fun, as well as picture-taking by National Grid. Children will take home a photo showing them “up in the air” in a utilities repair bucket.
Groups of entertainers will mingle about, including clowns and jugglers, and strolling Saratogians will provide the flavor of the 1860s with period dress, along with barber-shopper quartets who will provide sounds of the era.
Culminating the evening celebration is an official heralding of the fireworks by Wait, from the Saratoga 150 starting gate, at 9:15 p.m. The starting gate, that has been re-designed as a parade and display attraction, is being debuted to the public at this event. The fireworks display by Alonzo will be accompanied by music.
Picnic contest entrants may register at either of the two entrance gates—Route 50 and the Hall of Springs gates. Judging will begin at 7:30 p.m. There are a limited number of picnic tables that may be used, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Besides food and beverages, picnic contest entrants are encouraged to bring personal picnic display surfaces, old-fashioned themed décor items, coolers and other picnic paraphernalia important to their entry.
Awards will be announced at 8:45 p.m., followed by the ceremonial cutting of a large birthday cake, created by Mazzone Hospitality. The crowd will be led in song by The Music Studio Kids with an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday Saratoga Racing”.
The youth groups performing on the small stage are from the Boland School of Irish Dance, and The Music Studio Kids, led by founder and director Noel Liberty. The barbershop singers are members of the Racing City Chorus. Volunteer Saratoga 150 Ambassadors in 1860’s costumes are from Saratoga High School’s America Helping America Club.
Admission to Family Night at the Spa will be free for an adult and one child, with a Saratoga 150 medallion. Regular admission is $10 for an adult with one child. Additional children’s tickets are $5.
Children’s tickets are for ages four through 12. Three and under are admitted free. Saratoga 150 medallions are available at www.saratoga150.com, at Adirondack Trust Company bank offices; at Impressions of Saratoga and Fox Jewelers; and at the National Museum of Racing.
Ample parking is available at the Route 50 entrance. The Hall of Springs entrance offers drop-off access. No alcoholic beverages or pets will be allowed on the SPAC grounds. Coolers will be checked to safeguard the no-alcohol rule. The resident concessionaire AraMark will offer a limited snack-food menu.
Information about Family Night at the Spa is available at www.Saratoga150.com. Volunteer availabilities and questions about the picnic contest and other event topics may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
