Saratoga, New York's Summer Season Kicks Off With Horse Racing, Performances, Festivals and More

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., June 20 Saratoga-Summer-event


SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World-class Thoroughbred horse racing, the performing arts, historical sites and much more awaits visitors to Saratoga, New York this summer.  



Historic Saratoga Race Course will open its gates Wednesday, July 23rd through Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, for the 2008 season.  Visitors can enjoy a trackside breakfast during the morning workouts while getting ready for an afternoon of exciting horse racing at Saratoga Race Course.  Several festivals are planned for the meet to add to the excitement.  The Hats Off To Saratoga Festival, July 25th - 27th will feature a hat contest, Breeders' Cup challenge races and downtown musical performances.  The Travers Festival, to be held August 16th - 24th, includes the 129th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes and more than 30 special events throughout the week.  The Final Stretch Festival will be August 30th - September 1 and will include a family fun fest, graded stakes races and downtown music on Saturday and Sunday nights.  



Kicking off the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's (SPAC) season is The Freihofer's Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 28th and Sunday, June 29th, which features renowned jazz artists, as well as up-and-coming artists of modern jazz.  The New York City Ballet will take residency July 8th through July 26th, marking their 42nd season at Saratoga.  SPAC will host The Philadelphia Orchestra August 6th through August 23rd, with concerts Wednesday through Saturday.  SPAC is also home to several major music concerts including: The Police, Rush, Chicago, The Jonas Brothers and many more.



Visitors can relive one of the most important battles in world history at Saratoga National Historical Park, site of the "Turning Point" of the American Revolution.  Trace the footsteps of Benedict Arnold, Horatio Gates and John Burgoyne at the Visitor Center or take a tour along the banks of the Hudson to view the actual battlefield grounds.



There are other ways to see horses when not at Saratoga Race Course.  Polo has been a part of Saratoga's history since 1898.  That tradition is continued during Saratoga Polo's 2008 season, which begins June 20th.  Matches are held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through August 31st.  Visitors can find live harness racing and over 1,700 gaming machines at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, which also has a popular nightclub and dining options.  Visitors can also check out the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which has interactive exhibits and a horse racing simulator.



The award-winning Saratoga County Fair is one of New York's oldest fairs and will be held for 6 days and nights, July 15-20.  Located on 30 acres in the Village of Ballston Spa, this event will showcase over 100 vendors, Midway rides, live entertainment, large and small animals, and many exhibits.  



Saratoga County is home to a number of museums, art galleries and historic landmarks, including the New York State Military Museum, Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery at Skidmore College, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Brookside Museum and the Children's Museum at Saratoga.  For a complete list of museums, art galleries and historical sites, go online to www.saratoga.org. 



Saratoga County is also rich in affordable, high quality golf courses, including the award-winning Saratoga National Golf Club.  Named one of the Top 100 public courses in the country by Golf Digest, it is one of many spots to tee off in the area.  Special golf getaway packages are available online at www.saratoga.org.  



Visitors can find an affordable way to stay in Saratoga with a number of event and festival packages that include attractions, dining and special gifts.  For more getaway package details or for a free travel guide, visitors can go online to www.saratoga.org or call 1-800-526-8970.



About Saratoga, New York 



Saratoga's attractions and spectacular scenery have made it a premier Northeast destination for centuries.  Located approximately three hours from New York, Montreal and Boston, Saratoga features world-class horse racing, the performing arts, gaming, polo, award-winning golf courses, museums - including three National museums, a National Battlefield, Victorian architecture, great shopping, plentiful outdoor activities and so much more.



Visitor information is available online at www.saratoga.org or by calling 1-800-526-8970.  The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is the official Tourism Promotion Agency of Saratoga County, New York.  







SOURCE  Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce