The familiar gates of Saratoga Race Course will open three days early as the Spa prepares to host its annual pre-season preview party, the 29th annual Open House. A Saratoga tradition held prior to the start of racing season at North America’s most historic thoroughbred racetrack, Open House returns Sunday, July 26, to offer a full day of attractions, games and activities.

Presented by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature carnival games, lively music, giant inflatables, circus shows, handicapping seminars and an array of food and beverages -- all to benefit local charities. Admission and parking are free.

The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season, presenting five races - four jump races and a turf race – along with a special luncheon on the dining terrace and box area for race sponsors and patrons of the event. There is no pari-mutuel wagering on these races, which get underway at 1:30, 2:05, 2:40, 3:15 and 3:50 p.m.

Another highlight of Open House for horse lovers is the Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team. The team will demonstrate its moves and skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate pinwheels, circles, and V formations. The team will perform on the main track at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Open House will include the sixth annual mascot race, which pits area sports team’s mascots against one another in a one-of-a-kind race down the main track.

After making its debut appearance last year, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will again make a stop at Open House bringing its educational and explorative Leaping Lizards and Rocking Reptiles exhibit to the Spa. Featuring shows under the Carousel at 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m., kids and families will have a chance to meet these cold-blooded creatures while learning all about their behaviors, habitats and lifestyles.

The backyard will play host to a variety of activities including pony rides, inflatables, face painting, caricatures and a petting zoo. Young racing fans can participate in the interactive Backyard Circus in the festival tent, or try their skills in the inflatable obstacle course, the Adrenaline Rush.

Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers, a strolling swing jazz band, will play jazz favorites in the backyard, while Mark Rabin performs cover songs underneath the bandstand from such renowned artists as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Open House will offer patrons a glimpse into the inner workings of the track with free backstretch tours. The tours will run every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse entrance.

Handicappers Nick Kling and Tom Amello from the Troy Record’s “Track Facts” will host handicapping seminars throughout the day in the Paddock Pavilion.

Committed to supporting local community organizations, Saratoga’s Open House will benefit an array of local not-for-profit groups.

For example, visitors can have their photo taken and laminated on a 3”x 4” photo magnet, available for a minimal donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter.

Again this year, the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in crisis, will greet patrons at the gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods. Each patron who donates two non-perishable canned items will receive a commemorative 2009 NYRA calendar, while supplies last.

Patrons can also choose from a variety of tasty treats. From hamburgers to fried dough, sausage and peppers to ice cream sandwiches, Open House has something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

All proceeds from food and beverages benefit local charities and non-profit organizations such as Living Resources, the Saratoga-Wilton BPOE, the Jewish Community Center, the Children's Museum, the Racing City Chorus, the Brookside Museum, the Moreau Community Center, Saratoga EOC, the Saratoga Rowing Association and the Knights of Columbus.

Season passes for the upcoming 2009 Saratoga Race Course season will be available for purchase at the Grandstand Customer Service Center. The passes are $75 for clubhouse and $35 for grandstand. The passes are good for the entire 36-day Saratoga meet, including Travers Day, Saturday, August 29.