Saratoga Springs Day to kick-off New York Heritage and Tourism Series at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. will host the first installment of its New York Heritage and Tourism Series on Wednesday, July 27 with a day in celebration of Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Race Course will welcome local arts, history and tourism attractions as well as members of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) who are participating in the newly expanded Saratoga Season Perks program. 

Saratoga Springs Day will provide guests with an authentic Saratoga experience at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. Guests who visit the Saratoga Pavilion will have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities, enjoy live entertainment from popular local performers, enter to win gift certificates from Saratoga Season Perks partners and shop downtown businesses.

"The New York Racing Association is pleased to partner with the Saratoga Downtown Business Association to bring year-round savings to our most loyal fans through the Saratoga Season Perks program," said New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. "We are proud to bring attention to the shops and restaurants that contributed to Travel and Leisure recognizing Saratoga as one of 'America's Greatest Main Streets'. Saratoga Springs Day is another example of our efforts to partner with the community, and make the 2016 meet as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for all of our guests."

"We are thrilled to be a part of Saratoga Springs Day in partnership with the New York Racing Association," said Samantha McCullough, Owner of Stinky Dog.  "We are looking forward to being at the Saratoga Pavilion to generate some additional excitement about the Saratoga Season Perks benefits and to promote our business as one of the partners for this great program." 

Guests who visit the Saratoga Pavilion will be able to upgrade their one-day admission to a 2016 grandstand or clubhouse season pass and get the immediate benefit of receiving 10 percent discounts to Saratoga restaurants and shops as well as to Live Nation concerts and select classical performances at SPAC. Fans who visit the Saratoga Pavilion may also enter to win a variety of gift certificates and prizes from the day's participating organizations.

The Saratoga Season Perks program for season pass and ticket plan holders also includes discounts at most on-track concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the Artist's Village on Fridays. Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts. For a complete list of participating Saratoga Season Perks partners, visit SaratogaSeasonPerks.com.

Participating organizations and businesses for Saratoga Springs Day include: Brookside Museum; Caffe Lena; Celtic Treasures; Children's Museum at Saratoga; FINDS Sample Sales; National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame; Northshire Bookstore; Saratoga Horse and Carriage; Saratoga Mineral Water Tours; Silverwood Home & Gallery; Stinky Dog; The Savory Pantry; and Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm. Live music and entertainment will be provided by Hot Club of Saratoga; Jeanine Ouderkirk Trio; and Saratoga Children's Theatre.

The New York Heritage and Tourism series will take place every Wednesday of the 2016 meet.  The series will highlight other tourism destinations across New York State and will include traditional celebrations to recognize the contributions of New York's military service members, as well as those of Irish- and Italian-American heritage.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call (518) 584-6200 or visit www.nyra.com.