A MID-SUMMER ST.PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION AT SARATOGA, THURSDAY, JULY 29

 

****Please see attached photo of Irish-themed t-shirt, free to all fans with paid admission, while supplies last****

Friday, July 23, 2010

 

Contact: Dan Silver

dsilver@nyrainc.com

 

Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill

Ed Lewi Associates

518-383-6183

 

 

SARATOGA RACE COURSE INVOKES LUCK O’ THE IRISH

WITH MID-SUMMER ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Saratoga Race Course is hoping to bring horseracing fans a double-dose of charm during the second annual Mid-Summer St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, July 29. Presented by Bailey's, the day-long celebration of Irish culture and heritage will feature traditional Irish food and drink as well as Irish music, dance and entertainment.

 

Fans will double their luck with the first giveaway of the season, a special Irish-themed, short-sleeve t-shirt, free with paid admission, while supplies last.

 

As the presenting sponsor of this year's mid-summer festival, Bailey's Irish-themed cocktails will be available at a half dozen cocktail bars on track, including Bunburry's Pub in the Backyard, the Jim Dandy Bar, and Bar B10.

 

This year's event will also present fans with the chance to win a trip to Ireland, courtesy of Yankee Trails World Travel. The grand prize winner will receive a $3000 voucher to plan the trip of their dreams. Track patrons can enter to win near the track entrance on Union Avenue.

 

"We're thrilled to offer our fans the chance to take in the beauty of Ireland in person while experiencing some of St. Patrick's Day's lively traditions at historic Saratoga Race Course," said NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hal Handel. "Our Mid-Summer St. Patrick's Day celebration promises festive Irish entertainment, food, and all the time-honored traditions that make the holiday such a global treasure."

 

Bagpipers with the Orange County AOH Pipes and Drums from Monroe, NY, will travel to Saratoga to greet patrons at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances, and will parade through the backyard to the apron of the main track; while students from the Boland School of Irish Dance in Troy will perform in step with the music. The bagpipers from Orange County have previously performed in New York's St. Patrick's Day parade.

 

Local Irish favorite The McKrells will treat fans to live music in the bandstand from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The band's founding member, Kevin McKrell, has traveled the world to perform with some of the top musicians at leading Irish, bluegrass, and folk festivals. Other Irish bands will also perform in the backyard throughout the day.

 

Track guests hoping to pick up a new lucky charm can visit Saratoga Style, the luxury vendor pavilion located across from the Jockey Silks room, where Saratoga Springs retailer Celtic Treasures Irish Gift Shop will be selling a variety of Irish-themed gifts and souvenirs throughout the day.

 

The day will bring all the essentials of St. Patrick's Day eating, drinking, and merriment to the races, including traditional Irish food and drink; as well as live Celtic music and dancing. While taking in all the festivities, trackgoers will enjoy Irish pub favorites Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's along with classic Irish fare such as bangers n' bacon rolls and hot corned beef sandwiches. Special decor will also lend a decidedly Irish flair to the afternoon.

 

The 142nd season at Saratoga Race Course begins runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 6. Post time is 1 p.m. with the exception of Party at the Spa on Friday, July 30, and Friday, September 3, when post time is 2:30 p.m. and on Travers Day, Saturday, August 28, with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m. There is no racing on Tuesdays at Saratoga.

 

For up-to-date information on Saratoga’s Mid-Summer St. Patrick’s Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.shtml.

 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill

Ed Lewi Associates • 6 Chelsea Place • Clifton Park, NY 12065

ELA Main Office: (518) 383-6183 • FAX (518) 383-6755 (Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Saratoga Race Course Office: (518) 584-6200, x 4233, or 4739 (Wed. – Mon., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Weekend Numbers: M. Bardack Cell (518) 867-7943, or C. Merrill Cell (518) 867-2440