Saratoga Race Course celebrates Irish-American Heritage Day

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today continued the decade-long tradition of celebrating the culture of those of Irish-American descent during the annual Irish-American Heritage Day at Saratoga Race Course.

The day-long festivities featured Irish music, dance, entertainment and food in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. The day's third race was named in honor of the celebration.

Fans were encouraged to celebrate by wearing green and decorating their backyard picnic tables with Irish-themed décor.

Step dancers from The Boland School of Irish Dance greeted guests at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances and performed trackside following the day's third race. 

Performances from An Clar School of Irish Dance and The Boland School of Irish Dance took place at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion throughout the day. Local bands Emerald Dawn and Good Things Band also performed during the afternoon.

A number of chefs from the greater Capital Region provided tastings and cooking demonstrations of classic Irish dishes during the afternoon, including traditional Irish Soda Bread, Irish Cheese Spread, Split Pea Soup with Ham, Finn McCool Salmon Cakes, Irish Sausage Wrapped in Puff Pastry and Irish Bread Pudding with Apples and Irish Whiskey Sauce.

Acclaimed exhibits highlighting Irish culture, traditions and history were on display at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion throughout the day. Participating organizations included the Irish American Heritage Museum; Irish American Chefs; Albany Irish Rowing Club; Albany Rebels Gaelic Football Team; Irish 2000; Kate Mullany National Historic Site; Capital District Irish American Association; Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Reserved seats at Saratoga Race Course, including reserved tables in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock and Fourstardave Sports Bar, are available through www.Ticketmaster.com.

The 2017 season at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call 518-584-6200 or visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga