MEDIA ADVISORY/DAYBOOK ITEM
Track-goers invoke luck o’ the Irish at
Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day
WHAT: Saratoga Race Course will bring racing fans a double-dose of charm during the second annual Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day, presented by Bailey’s.
WHEN: Thursday, July 29
· 11:00 a.m. Gates open with pipers and step dancers to greet patrons
· 12:30 p.m. Trackside parade with Irish pipers and step dancers
· 1:00 p.m. Post time
· 3:00 p.m. Step dancers to perform at grandstand
WHERE: Saratoga Race Course
267 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York
DETAILS: Presented by Bailey’s, Saratoga Race Course will host a day-long celebration of Irish culture and heritage with the second annual Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day.
Bagpipers with the Orange County AOH Pipes and Drums will greet patrons at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances before parading through the backyard to the apron of the main track at 12:30 p.m. Students from the Boland School of Irish Dance will join the bagpipers to perform in step with the music.
Local Irish favorite The McKrells will also treat fans to live music in the bandstand from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The backyard will also be filled with the sounds of Ireland with performances from Irish bands throughout the day, including the seven-member Celtic Sessions located near Bunbury’s Pub and the Fergus Begley Band next to the Big Red Springs.
In addition to a variety of traditional Irish music, dance, and entertainment, this year’s event will present attendees with the chance to win a trip to Ireland, courtesy of Yankee Trails World Travel. The grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 voucher to plan the trip of their dreams.
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. 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. Special decor will also lend a decidedly Irish flair to the afternoon.
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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
E-mail: mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
