Saratoga Race Course will bring horse racing fans a little extra luck during the third annual Mid-Summer St. Patrick's Day, presented by Bailey’s, on Wednesday, August 3. The day-long celebration of Irish culture and heritage will feature traditional Irish food and drink as well as Irish music, dance and entertainment.

All fans who wear green will receive free grandstand admission.

Fans will be encouraged to dress up their picnic displays in the backyard with Saint Patrick’s Day-themed décor for the chance to win a number of prizes, including gift baskets from Bailey’s. The traditional NYRA flag above the infield will sport a green hue to herald the holiday.

"Our Mid-Summer St. Patrick’s Day celebration has become a true fan favorite. We’re thrilled to once again provide our fans with the chance to experience some of the day’s great traditions against the backdrop of historic Saratoga Race Course,” said New York Racing Association Executive Vice President and COO Hal Handel.

Patrons will have a chance to win a trip to Ireland, courtesy of Celtic Tours and Aer Lingus. The grand prize winner and a guest will embark on a six-night tour of Ireland’s most scenic locales, including Wexford, Killarney and Westport, from March 24 through March 31, 2012. Highlights of the trip include guided tours to Blarney; the Cliffs of Moher; a historical walking tour of Wexford, and more. The trip includes airfare for two; full breakfast daily; and three dinners. Fans can enter to win by visiting the Celtic Tours table near the track entrance on Union Avenue.

Bagpipers with the Orange County AOH Pipes and Drums will join Irish step dancers from the Boland School of Irish Dance to greet patrons at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances.

In the tradition of New York City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the pipers and step dancers will gather at the Top of the Stretch to lead a parade down the track apron at 12:30 p.m. The parade will culminate in a traditional Irish step performance accompanied by live music from the bagpipers.

The step dancers will continue to entertain fans throughout the afternoon with performances on the track apron after the day’s second race and at the bandstand following the third race. Several bagpipers will join “Sam the Bugler” at the Winner’s Circle for the traditional “Call to the Post.”

Local Irish favorite The McKrells will perform live in the bandstand from 12 to 4 p.m. The band's founding member, Kevin McKrell, has traveled the world to perform with some of the top musicians at leading Irish, bluegrass, and folk festivals. Other Celtic bands will also perform in the backyard throughout the day.

As the presenting sponsor of this year's mid-summer festival, Bailey's Irish-themed cocktails will be available at select cocktail bars on track, including Backyard Brews; the Jose Cuervo Bar; and the Jim Dandy Bar.