MID-SUMMER ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 2

MEDIA NOTE

 

WHAT:          Mid-Summer Saint Patrick’s Day

 

WHERE:       Saratoga Race Course

                        Saratoga Springs, NY

 

WHEN:          Thursday, August 2

11 a.m.            Bagpipers and step dancers greet patrons at gates

12:30 p.m.       Trackside parade with bagpipers and step dancers

After Race 3   Step dancers perform trackside

3:15 p.m.         Step dancers perform at bandstand

                      

WHAT:          Saratoga Race Course will bring horse racing fans a little extra luck during the fourth annual Mid-Summer Saint Patrick's Day. The day-long celebration of Irish culture and heritage will feature traditional food and drink as well as Irish music, dance and entertainment.

 

All fans who wear green will receive free grandstand admission.

 

Bagpipers with the Orange County AOH Pipes and Drums will join Irish step dancers from the Boland School of Irish Dance to greet patrons at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances.

 

In the tradition of New York City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the pipers and step dancers will gather at the Top of the Stretch to lead a parade down the track apron. The parade will culminate in a traditional Irish step performance accompanied by live music from the bagpipers.

 

The step dancers will continue to entertain fans throughout the afternoon with performances on the track apron after the day’s second race and at the bandstand following the third race. Several bagpipers will also join “Sam the Bugler” at the Winner’s Circle for the traditional “Call to the Post” before the day’s second race.

 

Fans will be encouraged to dress up their picnic displays in the backyard with Saint Patrick’s Day-themed décor for the chance to win a number of prizes, courtesy of Celtic Treasures.

 

Patrons will also have a chance to win a six-night trip to Ireland, courtesy of Celtic Tours and Aer Lingus. Local Irish favorite The McKrells will perform live in the bandstand from noon to 4 p.m. Additional Irish music will include the band Celtic Sessions in the backyard and the Fergus Begley Band at the Saratoga Beer Garden from noon to 4 p.m.

 

###