The New York Racing Association to feature historic Travers canoe at Saratoga Spooktacular trick-or-treat celebration

by Mark Bardack

Halloween weekend drive-thru event hosted by Mazzone Hospitality and Saratoga Performing Arts Center

More than a dozen local businesses and organizations led by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), Stewart’s Shops and Impressions of Saratoga will help local families celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun way during a Saratoga Spooktacular drive-thru trick-or-treat on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by Mazzone Hospitality and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the two-day event will feature representatives from local companies who will distribute individually-wrapped candy to trick-or-treaters traveling the SPAC grounds by car. The Saratoga Spooktacular was designed by local organizers to reflect and respond to the challenges facing families this Halloween.

Trick-or-treaters will have a chance to see the historic Travers canoe which will be on display and filled with candy courtesy of NYRA. The Travers canoe resides in the infield at Saratoga Race Course where each year it is painted in the colors of the silks of the reigning Travers winner. This year’s canoe features the familiar maroon and gray of Sackatoga Stable in honor of Tiz the Law, the hometown favorite who captured the 151st running of the Travers this past August.

“We’re honored to take part in this community-wide event to help families safely celebrate Halloween,” said NYRA Director of Communications Pat McKenna. “NYRA thanks the volunteer organizers who have worked to produce this innovative alternative to traditional trick or treating on the grounds of one of Saratoga’s most treasured attractions, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We wish everyone a fun and festive Halloween!”

Families will also recognize Stewart’s Shops mascots “Fresh and Flavor” and “Bernie the Saint Bernard”, the popular mascot of the Siena Saints, who will be on-hand to help trick-or-treaters celebrate.

“We owe a huge thanks to all of the organizations taking part in this special celebration,” said Mazzone Hospitality Vice President of Catering Sean Willcoxon. “Together we will put smiles on hundreds of kids’ faces on Halloween weekend, all while benefiting our friends at SPAC. With a limited number of tickets remaining, we encourage families interested in joining us to make their reservation today.”

Additional companies and organizations participating include: AIM Services Inc., Dark Horse Mercantile, Ed Lewi Associates, Home Made Theater, Keller Williams Capital District Real Estate, Salvation Army, Siena College Athletics, State Farm, and Truly Great Promo Products.

Less than 200 tickets remain for the Saturday night event; Friday is sold-out. Reservations are required and available in 15-minute increments for $6 per vehicle (plus applicable ticket fees). Each vehicle may contain up to eight people. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at MazzoneHospitality.com. Reservations are capped at approximately 500 vehicles per evening.

Proceeds from the Saratoga Spooktacular will benefit SPAC, which was forced to suspend programming this summer due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic.

SPAC's reimagined 2020 season includes previously announced community events such as SPAC's partnership with COESA to present the healing arts with Tai Chi and guided meditation classes; the SPAC REIMAGINED ballet shorts featuring New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; the virtual Freihofer's Jazz Fest Stay Home Sessions and Beethoven 2020 Festival; the SPAC @ Home Concert Series with Joshua Bell; and the on-going SPAC Learning Library. In addition, the Center has opened up its campus to various arts-related activities for children and young people.

Catering, dining and events company Mazzone Hospitality; marketing agency Ed Lewi Associates; and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce are each donating their services to organize and spearhead the Saratoga Spooktacular. Promotional support is being provided by B95.5 FM.

All attendees will be required to wear facial coverings and maintain proper social distancing. Safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be strictly followed and enforced, as will New York State guidelines for events and gatherings.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws vacation crowds and arts connoisseurs each year for immersive experiences of performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, Opera Saratoga, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts the annual Saratoga Wine and Food Festival in addition to imaginative programming such as the popular “SPAC on Stage” series and Caffè Lena @ SPAC.

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s children’s education programs and support the vibrancy of its classical season. For more information visit spac.org.