Jun 30, 2017
Francesca Le Donne Photo
Taste NY at Saratoga series to expand to four days for 2017 summer meet
by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack; Jola Szubielski
The 2017 season at Saratoga Race Course will feature an expansion of the popular Taste NY series. The program, which is held in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will be held over the course of four days each week of the meet.
The Taste NY at Saratoga events provide track guests with the opportunity to sample a wide variety of products made exclusively in New York State. The lively on-track market of New York food, fashion and artisan vendors, which was previously held exclusively on Sundays, will now expand to Saturdays. The Saturday and Sunday edition of the series will complement the returning Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits on Thursdays and Taste NY: Craft Beer on Fridays.
"As one of the leading suppliers of agricultural products in the nation, New York has a proud history of producing quality, locally-made wine, beer and food. The Taste NY at Saratoga series has been tremendously well-received by our guests, and we are excited about the program's expansion for the upcoming season," said New York Racing Association Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "We look forward to continuing to use the popularity of Saratoga Race Course as a platform to showcase these products in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets."
"Just like our world-class thoroughbreds, New York produces some of the very best agricultural products, and the Taste NY at Saratoga series is a great way to enjoy both. We are excited to team up with NYRA again this season to give guests even more opportunities to try the State's top-notch food and craft beverages, while giving our small businesses a platform to reach new customers," said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
The weekly series will take place on-track at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. The Thursday and Friday editions occur from noon to 5 p.m.; while the Saturday and Sunday markets commence at 10:30 a.m. and run through 5 p.m.
There is no admission charge for the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. Wines, ciders and spirits will be available in increments of five samples for $5 on Thursdays while selections of craft beer will be available for the same on Fridays. There is no sampling fee for foods on Saturdays and Sundays.
Guests will be able to purchase products that are available for sampling.
Participating vendors in the Thursday cider, wine and spirits tasting include: Albany Distilling Company in Albany; High Rock Distillery in Ballston Spa; Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport; Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont; Kaneb Orchards in Massena; Nine Pin Cider Works in Albany; Saratoga Courage Distillery in Greenfield Center; The Saratoga Winery in Saratoga Springs; Thirsty Owl Outlet and Wine Garden in Saratoga Springs; Thousand Islands Winery in Alexandria Bay; Upstate Distilling in Saratoga Springs; and Yankee Folly Cider in New Paltz.
Participating breweries in the Friday craft beer tasting include: Adirondack Brewery in Lake George; Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown; Browns Brewing Company in Troy; Brooklyn Brewery in Brooklyn; Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford; Druthers Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs; Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton; Genesee Brewery in Rochester; Ithaca Beer Company in Ithaca; Keegan Ales in Kingston; Lake Placid Brewery in Lake Placid; Mad Jack Brewing Company in Schenectady; Olde Saratoga Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs; and Saranac Brewery in Utica.
Participating vendors in the Saturday and Sunday food and artisan market include: The Beginning Shop in Ballston Lake; Black Kettle Soap in Albany; The Chocolate Spoon in Saratoga Springs; Hoosick Hickory in Hoosick Falls; IM2 Handmade Items in Levittown; Jillian's Apothecary in Galway; Lifestyles of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs; Lucky Clover Artisanal Bakery in Cobleskill; Mirbeau Spa in Albany and Skaneateles; Miss Scarlett Boutique in Saratoga Springs; More Good in Beacon; Mountain Winds Farm in Berne; Mugzy's Barkery in East Greenbush; The National by Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs; Planted Organics in Troy; RAD Soap Co. in Albany; Vital Eats in Saratoga Springs; and Whalen's Horseradish Products in Galway.
Guests on Saturdays and Sundays will also have the opportunity to learn more about how to enhance their on-track experience through NYRA Bets and the all-new NYRA XP mobile app.
Saratoga season admission passes are currently available for purchase online atwww.NYRA.com/Saratoga and in-person at nearly 160 Stewart's Shops locations throughout the Capital Region.
The 2017 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course begins on Friday, July 21 and concludes on Labor Day, Monday, September 4.
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