Sunday, August 22, 2010
Contact: Dan Silver
Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill
mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
GET A TASTE OF ITALY ON SAN GENNARO DAY AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Old world ambiance and the charm and spirit of Italy will come trackside when Saratoga Race Course celebrates the first-ever San Gennaro Day on Thursday, August 26.
Inspired by the timeless New York City street festival tradition, the day-long celebration of Italian culture and heritage will feature traditional Italian food and drink as well as Italian dance, music, games and entertainment.
"We're thrilled to offer our fans the chance to celebrate the vibrant and spirited Italian culture while experiencing some of Italy's treasured traditions at Saratoga Race Course," said NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hal Handel. "Our San Gennaro Day promises a full plate of Italian-style entertainment, games and music reminiscent of the end of summer celebration that takes place in historic Little Italy in New York."
The backyard at Saratoga will be transformed into a bocce ball court as track guests learn how to play a sport that dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. Bocce ball teams will demonstrate the classic Italian game, whose modern adaptation most closely resembles bowling. Demonstrations will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. near the Big Red Spring.
Italian crooner Franklin Micare will pay tribute to the legendary Dean Martin by leading fans in a rousing rendition of the iconic Italian standard "That's Amore" from the winner's circle. Fans are invited to join Micare for the trackside sing-a-long before the day's second race at approximately 1:10 p.m. named in honor of San Gennaro Day.
Micare will continue to delight patrons with the classic standards and timeless tunes of music legends such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett at the bandstand from noon to 4 p.m.
The three-piece Italian band The Pizzarinos will serenade patrons with the sounds of the old country. The band's musicians - including an accordionist, trumpet player, and saxophonist - will walk the grounds before performing for patrons in the backyard across from Bunbury's Pub from 1 to 2 p.m.
Young performers with the Italian American Community Center Italian Ballerina Dancers will greet visitors in the morning with Italian folk dance steps at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances. The dancers will perform the traditional Italian folk dance, the Tarantella, trackside at 1:40 p.m. The group will continue with a mambo performance at the bandstand at 3:00 p.m.
In recognition of the famous Italian outdoor street festival, the day will be a feast for the senses with a variety of traditional Italian cuisine specialties. Trackgoers will be transported to Italy with special offerings from the eateries on Restaurant Row, including Brooklyn-style chocolate chip cannolis from Grey Gelding; meatball subs featuring homemade meatballs in marinara sauce on fresh made bread from Brindisi's; the Karista sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and pesto mayonnaise on a tomato wrap from Putnam Market; and margherita pizza with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella and basil from Pies on Wheels. Additionally, patrons can enjoy Italian sausage and peppers, meatball heroes and pizza at various locations. Special décor will also lend a decidedly Italian flair to the afternoon.
San Gennaro Day is part of the annual Travers Festival which will culminate this year in a weekend for the ages at Saratoga Race Course.
The Double Day Spectacular will begin on Saturday, August 28, when gates open at 7 a.m. for the 141st running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes. Special first post time is 11:35 a.m.
The weekend racing double header continues on Sunday, August 29 with the Grade 1, $300,000 Personal Ensign Stakes and the return of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra to Saratoga Race Course. Last year, Rachel became the first 3-year-old filly to defeat older males in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes. All fans on Sunday will receive a commemorative Rachel Alexandra button with their paid admission, while supplies last.
For more information about San Gennaro Day, the 15th annual Travers Festival and the Double Day Spectacular at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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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
