NYRA releases special events line-up at Saratoga

The Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is scheduled for August 2 (NYRA Photo) The New York Racing Association (NYRA) on Thursday announced the line-up of family-friendly entertainment and special events at Saratoga Race Course for the 2012 season. A wide variety of special events, including perennial favorites, will engage fans throughout the meet beginning with Opening Day on Friday, July 20. The 144th racing season will feature Family Fun Fridays — a series of weekly family festivals each Friday during the summer in the backyard picnic area. The day-long event will include a number of activities, games, bounce inflatables, and arts and crafts for all ages. Additional activities will include a live reptile show, a mad science show and FOX 23 News’ karaoke booth on Opening Day and on the final Friday of the season, August 31. All Family Fun Fridays’ activities are free with paid admission; children under 12 are admitted free to Saratoga Race Course when accompanied by an adult.

One of the most popular non-racing elements of the meet, giveaway days will
again be a feature in 2012. Four Sunday giveaways are planned this year: a
Saratoga baseball cap on Sunday, July 29; a Saratoga picnic mat on Sunday,
August 12; a Saratoga pilsner glass on Sunday, August 19; and a Saratoga fleece
blanket on Sunday, September 2. All giveaways are free with paid admission,
while supplies last.

The summer will hit a high point with Saratoga’s signature race: the 143rd
running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes. The “Mid-Summer Derby” for
three-year-olds at the classic distance of 1 1/4-mile will be held on Saturday,
August 25.

The Ice Cream Eating Contest is a favorite for kids (NYRA Photo) The anticipation for the summer’s biggest race will build with over a week of festivities to celebrate Saratoga’s crown jewel. The 17th annual Travers Festival will offer nine days of special events and activities from Saturday, August 18 through Sunday, August 26. Special events throughout the festival include the Stewart’s Shops annual Ice Cream Eating Contest (Wednesday, August 22); the 14th annual Ronald McDonald House Fashion Show (Thursday, August 23); the 12th annual Travers Celebration (Thursday, August 23); the Battle of the Brews to benefit the American Red Cross (Friday, August 24); and the third annual Travers Eve party in downtown Saratoga Springs (Friday, August 24). The festival will also include the return of the third annual Travers 1864 Restaurant Week, which celebrates the year of the inaugural running of the Travers Stakes. From Sunday, August 19 through Thursday, August 23, restaurants throughout the greater Capital Region will once again offer a three-course meal for the fixed cost of $18.64.

As has become customary, Saratoga Race Course will host two “Party at the
Spa” celebrations on Friday, July 27 and Friday, August 31. Presented by Coors
Light, each day features a 2:30 p.m. (EDT) post time. Fans are invited to stay
after the races as the fun continues with live music and food at The Post.

The highly successful Battle of Saratoga Handicapping Challenge will return
on Wednesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 9. One hundred and fifty players
will be invited to compete in the handicapping contest for the chance to win
$150,000 and a trip to the Daily Racing Form/NTRA Las Vegas National
Handicapping Tournament. Entry forms will be available at nyra.com in late June.

The meet will conclude with the three-day Final Stretch Festival, held
Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3. On-track events will include
the annual Family Fun Fest and Times Union Labor Day BBQ on Sunday, September 2
and Monday, September 3.

Additionally, dozens of returning favorites dot the Saratoga calendar
including: Open House (Sunday, July 15); Hats Off to Saratoga (Friday, July 20 –
Sunday, July 22), featuring the popular Hat Contest on Sunday, July 22; College
Day (Friday, July 27); Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day (Thursday, August 2); the
Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing (Saturday, August 4 – Sunday, August 5);
Galloping Grapes: A New York Wine Event (Sunday, August 5); Fabulous Fillies Day
(Friday, August 17); and Veterans Day (Wednesday, August 29).

For a complete and up to date listing of all special events at Saratoga Race
Course, visit
www.nyra.com/saratogaevents

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