9th Annual Chocolate Fest
Presented by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, the festival will take place on Friday, February 2 from 4-8 p.m. throughout the village of Ballston Spa. Area restaurants, bakeries, and chefs are all welcome to compete to showcase their talents and tastes by preparing small, sample-sized chocolate offerings in 3 categories: Dessert (Sweet), Savory, and Chocolate Beverage. These treats will be judged by Chocolate-fest goers. While savoring delicious chocolate treats, visitors will also enjoy a variety of special business promotions going on throughout the Village.
Free AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Beginning February 2 through April 12, AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program at the Ballston Spa Library, located at 21 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-based free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. Tax-Aide will provide taxpayer assistance through interaction with IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers in two short same day, in-person meetings to exchange documents. For more information about AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, including what type of service is available, which documents you need to file your taxes, and to schedule your appointments stop in or call 518- 885-5022.
11th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser
Held at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on February 3 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participating restaurants include Cardona’s Market (returning Champion), Kindred, RHEA, Fat Paulies and Walt and Whitman. Guests purchase tickets to enter, choose a handmade bowl, enjoy live music, and participate in the chili taste testing. A portion of the proceeds benefit the local cancer non-profit organization To Life and the Wilton Food Pantry. Tickets are $27 and include a handmade bowl (plus tax). Pre-purchase bowls and tickets at saratogaclayarts.org. You can bring 2 non-perishable food items for Wilton Pantry and save $2 on your ticket. Guests can choose from 3 time slots and have the opportunity to purchase more bowls onsite. The chili competition is fierce, and guests always have lots of fun.
The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk
Held on Sunday, February 4 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. There will be no indoor facilities and we will meet in the quadrangle near the Wired restrooms. The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Registration for both events can be done online through www.runsignup.com with day-of onsite. A limited supply of Dion snowshoes available to rent for $5 on a first come/first serve basis. For more information about the NE Snowshoe Series visit www.dionwmacsnowshoe.com. Questions? Call Laura at 518-581-1278 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A Night at the Aldridge House
Opening in 1792, the building that now houses Brookside Museum was a hotel that hosted guests to Ballston Spa for over 50 years. On Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m., Brookside Museum is hosting an immersive evening of food, music, and stories. Enjoy a night of hearty stew, bread, cider, and music. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for SCHC members. Tickets are limited and pre-registration is required. www.BrooksideMuseum.org. Friday, Feb. 16 is the snow date for this event. Proceeds support education initiatives throughout Saratoga County.
Carnegie Hall Ensemble Connect Residency at Skidmore
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, located at 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Ensemble Connect, a group of young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 16th year at Skidmore. Visit the Arthur Zankel Music Center website for event details. Concert Program: INTI FIGGIS-VIZUETA | seven sisters paint the earth New Work (World Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall). GABRIELA LENA FRANK | Leyendas: an Andean Walkabout for String Orchestra. TANIA LEÓN | De Memorias. BEETHOVEN | Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 16. Free and open to the public.
Vendors Wanted for Community Rummage Sale
Saturday, March 16 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church 768 Charlton Rd, Charlton. Put up your items for sale to become somebody else’s treasure. Rent a table and space for $15.
