The New York Racing Association to Host Italian-American Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. will celebrate the culture and traditions of the Bel Pease during Italian-American Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 30.  

The day-long festivities will feature Italian music, dance, entertainment, crafts and food from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. The day's fifth race will be named in honor of the celebration. 

Accordion players Ralph Brooks and Peter Rizzo will greet guests with traditional Italian music as they arrive at the gates beginning at 11 a.m. Italian singer Rafi Topolian will begin the day by performing the National Anthem in the winner's circle. 

Children with the Italian American Community Center Ballerini will perform a traditional Italian folk dance trackside at approximately 2:45 p.m. following the day's fourth race.

Italian tenor Angelo Mazzone, Jr. will perform Torna a Surriento accompanied by an accordion player trackside following the day's fifth race at approximately 3:20 p.m.

The Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion will host performances from Italian singer Nick Coluccio; Italian opera singer Rose Graziano Hargrave; and the Albany Dancesport Club.

Italian food will be available for purchase to benefit the Italian Heritage Association and Museum in Albany at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion, including Italian sausage subs; meatball subs; eggplant and chicken parmigiana; pasta; Italian pastries and gelato from Saratoga Gelato.

Select food items available for purchase to benefit the Italian Heritage Association and Museum have been donated by Marcella's Restaurant and by Mazzone Catering.

Activities highlighting Italian culture, traditions and history will take place at the Pavilion throughout the day, including Italian language lessons and the opportunity for children to create their own Venetian mask. Interactive exhibits and an ancestry board from the American Italian Heritage Association and Museum will also be on display.

Reserved seats at Saratoga Race Course, including reserved tables in the backyard or 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 visitwww.NYRA.com.