Saratoga Christmas 2019 by Saratoga TODAY

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

• Festival of Trees • Tree Lighting • Victorian Streetwalk • First Night • Holiday Songbook saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

brought to you by Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 1

2 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 3

4 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 5

from the editor Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director / Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Cover photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And we have everything you need right here in the Saratoga Christmas magazine…

From what time Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving (page 46) to who's performing at First Night Saratoga! (page 50). It’s all right here, in one easy to carry, slim little magazine that’s packed with information to enjoy the Holidays in Saratoga Springs! Our little “City in the Country” truly shines this time of year and we hope this magazine helps you plan your holiday outings and create your own traditions… such as caroling with our songbook, perhaps? (page 55). This publication started years ago, as a “program” for the Saratoga Festival of Trees, the annual fundraiser held by Catholic Charities, but soon became a part of our yearly line up and we love working with them and putting out this magazine. As you may know… Saratoga TODAY loves being able to help area organizations promote their events! Thank you to all the advertisers that make our magazines possible, and please mention us by name when frequenting their businesses.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year! -Love Chris

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year!

Love, Chris

Photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

6 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 7

OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee MAGAZINE DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco ADVERTISING DESIGNER Morgan Rook ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey CONTRIBUTORS Sister Charla Commins Theresa St. John Megin Potter PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Bergmann Deborah Neary Terri-Lynn Pellegri John Seymour SuperSourceMedia.com PUBLISHED BY Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com A Saratoga Christmas is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright (c) 2019, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

8 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

11 24th Annual Catholic Charities' Festival of Trees 33 A Christmas Tradition 37 Coffee with Mrs. Claus 42 33rd Annual Victorian Streetwalk & Tree Lighting 48 First Night Saratoga 52 Breaking News! 55 Holiday Song Book saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Photo by Deborah Neary

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 9

10 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Let the Season Begin...

Photography by Scott Bergmann saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 11

Welcome to the 24 Annual th

Saratoga Festival of Trees

he holiday season can be challenging for individuals and families living in the tri-county region. Many find it difficult to get and keep jobs that pay enough to meet their basic needs. They are having trouble putting nutritious food on their tables, locating affordable and stable housing and securing adequate health care for themselves and their families. The parallel challenge for each of us is to respond to the needs of the poor and vulnerable among us with compassion and generosity, and to advocate for systemic change that guarantees the basic necessities for all our neighbors. In the midst of these challenging times, we are aware of our own vulnerability as well as a heightened sensitivity to our deep interconnectedness to those around us. It is then with a spirit of increased consciousness of the blessings in our lives that we invite you to enjoy this creative holiday fantasy of delightfully decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. Please stop at our raffle table, shop at the Holiday Store and join us for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday – a fun filled day of children’s activities in Santa’s Workshop. Face painting, manicures, making holiday ornaments, and cookie decorating are but a few of the crafts that will delight children and adults alike. May the many magical moments of this year’s festival begin the Christmas season with much joy and anticipation of the many celebrations to follow. Behind the scenes, scores of dedicated volunteers spent countless hours planning and preparing for this event to be enjoyed by the entire community. For them we are most grateful. Thank you also to the many individuals, businesses and corporate sponsors who have generously supported our efforts and to the creative tree decorators and donors of the myriad of beautiful items of holiday décor. Our media sponsors: Saratoga Today, Saratoga Mama, and Saratoga.com have been wonderful supports as well. Special thanks to the staff of Saratoga Today for this wonderful Saratoga Christmas magazine helping us all to enjoy the holidays in this special community. We encourage you to savor this visual feast and to help further the mission of Catholic Charities by purchasing the holiday items displayed. We wish you a happy, peace-filled holiday season – one that will rekindle hope, kindness, and gratitude for our families, our friends and our communities.

The Steering Committee:

Sister Charla Commins Kate Deloria Sharon and Stan Drosky Earline Johnson Bruce O’Connell

12 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Festival of Trees 2019

Our Sincerest Thanks to... Steve Sullivan and Yvonne Sinnamon and the entire staff of the Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows for their continuous generosity to our Preview Reception. We’d also like to express our gratitude to the following individuals, businesses and organizations for their support of the Festival of Trees event.

Advantage Press, Kim & Mark Sutton Fine Affairs AJ Sign Co. Wayne Bemis Scott Bergmann Jeff Brisbin Bonnie Grecco Joan and Chuck Lighthart Bernie McCue Ryan McMahon and the City Center Staff Saratoga.com: Rick Marchant Saratoga Mama : Colleen Pierre Saratoga Publishing: Chad Beatty, Robin Mitchell, Chris Vallone Bushee & Marisa Scirocco Students from Saratoga Catholic Central & CBA Tim Wechgelaer Greg Stevens, Saratoga County 4-H

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2019 Media Sponsors:

seek

find

play

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 13

Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties

The Saratoga Festival of Trees is the largest fundraiser supporting the programs and services offered by Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Engaging the energies of the tri-county communities, Catholic Charities has become a vital part of life for many individuals and families in the region. During 2018, over 5000 individuals were served by the agency. These services were provided by 42 staff. In addition, nearly 300 volunteers gave 27,000 hours of their time.

Programs and Services offered by Catholic Charities: COUNSELING –Individual, couple and family counseling.

MENTORING PROGRAM – Prevention / diversion program

This program provided mental health services to 1,218 individuals including 238 children, 902 adults, and 78 older adults

impacting youth’s academic, social, and emotional milieu. 137 youth and 139 of their family members took part in the program last year.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT – Shelter, counseling, crime victim services, advocacy, education, 24 hour hotline services for victims of domestic violence and their children in Warren and Washington counties. 423 adults and 61 children were served in the program. A total of 2333 bed-nights were provided in the safe shelter. In addition, 2000 individuals received education and prevention services.

NOEP (NUTRITION OUTREACH AND EDUCATION PROGRAM) served 619 households with 1790 face to face contacts and 157 informational presentations throughout Warren County.

MARY’S HAVEN – A community home for the dying serving persons with irreversible illness, who are in the last three months of their lives and who no longer can remain safely in their homes. In 2018, the program served 20 families and provided 433 bed-nights to the terminally ill.

SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY were provided to 369 senior citizens.

EMERGENCY SERVICES – primarily assistance with concrete basic needs, were provided to 1150 individuals. $46,085 was spent on concrete basic needs and $5450 in donated gift cards were distributed to those in need.

Programs and Services are available to anyone in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, always accompanied by information, referral and advocacy as needed. Individuals are never refused services because of their inability to pay.

For a complete list of services offered by each county or for additional information please visit ccrcda.org or call:

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

NORTH COUNTY OFFICE

142 Regent Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-5000

35 Broad Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 793-6212

14 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 15

Festival of Trees 2019

Committee Principals

Mary Angelini Cindy Barton Wayne Bemis Mary Bonner Sherrie Bovee Kaitlyn Cameron Sister Charla Commins Anne Comstock Kathleen Cosmus Patricia Cross Patty Crotty Kate Deloria Fran Dingeman Sharon Drosky Stan Drosky Bob Dudley Terry Dagle Edzette Kathleen Farrell Margaret Fueston Colleen Guarino Kris Hatch Linda Holmes Rick Holmes Karen Morandi Isabella Earline Johnson Noreen Jones

Annie Krasnicki Jane Kromm Joanne Luciano Julianna Luciano Maureen Lynch Mary Ellen Maxwell Bernie McCue Diane McGarry Jane Mehan Diana Miller Jim Norton Bruce O'Connell Madge O'Connell Marcia Okosky Heather O'Leary Kimberly Pacheco Palma Pedric Carol Raike Anne Reed Candyce Robenstein Jackie Saxton Nancy Schumacher Pam Stiansen Rose Verro Kelly Mansfield Waechter Wayne Wheeler

Catholic Charities Mission Statement

Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, is committed to active witness on behalf of the Scriptural values of mercy and justice.

Catholic Charities, recognizing human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable.

Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, and calls forth and collaborates with women and men of goodwill in fulfillment of its mission.

16 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 17

Festival of Trees 2019

Preview Reception

PRINCIPAL RECEPTION SPONSORS Christine and Jim Burns Lisa and Ed Mitzen Hors d’oeuvres and Desserts compliments of Longfellows and the Olde Bryan Inn

BEVERAGES: DeCrescente Distributing, Inc. Eastside Wine and Spirits Eddy’s Beverage Inc. (EBI) Empire North-Regents Spirits & Wine Division Jones & Fifty Wine & Liquor Store Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service Saratoga Springs Water Company Saratoga Wine & Spirits Simplee Wine & Spirits Spa City Wine & Spirits

FLORISTS: Balet Flowers & Design Fairy Tale Florist Briarwood Flower & Gift Shoppe The Country Florist DEHN’S Flowers, Inc. Fine Affairs Jan’s Florist Petal Pusher Florist Sunnyside Gardens

18 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 19

Festival of Trees 2019

Honorary Committee HONORARY COMMITTEE Buzz & Mylea Aldrich Michael W. & Stacey Arpey Diana M. Burke Ellen & Hal Card Catholic Charities Diocese of Albany Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier Rebecca Christner & Carter White Linda & Vince Colonno Fran Dingeman Anita & Rick Dunn Claudette M. Farchione Thomas Frost Linda & Tom Healy Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard Kathleen James Matt & Earline Johnson Drs. John Leary & Nancy Wade

Jane D. Morrissey Mike & Kate Naughton James Noonan & Anne Marthy Noonan Jim & Alison Norton Madge & Bruce O'Connell Yolanda Paolicelli Chrissey & Cliff Passen Kathy Phelps Helen Porter Ann Seton Quinn David & Deborah Quinn Carol & Larry Raike Kristie & Tom Roohan Saratoga Springs City Center Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Dave & Chris Stack Michael & Linda Toohey

Board of Directors PRESIDENT Bruce O’Connell

VICE PRESIDENT Jim Norton

TREASURER Paul von Schenk

SECRETARY Pam Stiansen

BOARD MEMBERS Fran Dingeman Kristine Hatch Earline Johnson Kimberly Pacheco Carol Raike Steven Stockdale Nancy Wade, MD

20 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 21

Festival of Trees 2019

Family Day Committee CO-CHAIRPERSONS Kate Deloria Jane Mehan

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Linda Holmes Rick Holmes

CHRISTMAS CHARACTERS Fran Dingeman Madge O'Connell

COOKIE DECORATING Cindy Barton

DECORATIONS Colleen Guarino Patty Crotti

FACE PAINTING Diane McGarry

MANICURES Noreen Jones Mary Bonner

ORNAMENTS Joanne Luciano Julianna Luciano

PICTURE FRAMES Margaret Fueston Jane Kromm Mary Angelini

ACTIVITIES DONOR D'Andrea's Pizza

ENTERTAINMENT Music: Tim Wechgelaer

2019 SANTAS Stanley Drosky Jack Minehan Tom Roohan Stephen Towne Rory Whelan

TICKET RESERVATIONS Catholic Charities Office Staff 22 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Festival of Trees 2019

Sponsors and Donors

Sponsors for the Children's Activity & Santa's Workshop FAMILY DAY SPONSOR

CHRISTMAS CHARACTERS

FACE PAINTING

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Elizabeth & Emily Whelan

Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company

Prime Construction Saratoga SE Kitchens & Baths

Adirondack Women's Bar Association

REINDEER HATS

Granite & Marble Works

HOLIDAY SHOPPE Anne & John Wagner

COOKIE DECORATING

BREAKFAST SPONSORS

Purdy Discount Wine and Liquor

Fashion Floors of Saratoga Harry & Olga Holowach Principessa Elena Society Stewart’s Shops "Sundaes with Santa"

DECORATIONS Fine Affairs: Gerri Ann Eddy & Michael Panza

Advantage Press, Inc. Capozzola Law Firm

MANICURES

ENTERTAINMENT

Country House Bed & Breakfast Anderson Firm, PLLC

Kodiak Construction Inc. Solevo Kitchen & Social

ORNAMENTS

PICTURE FRAMES SANTA'S WORKSHOP Dr. James Byrne/Dr. Brian Byrne Orthodontist Sharon Byrne Howard Hanna

Bonacio Construction, Inc

Breakfast with Santa Donors The Bread Basket Chianti's II Circle of Friends Compton’s Restaurant Country Corner Cafe Courtyard Marriott D’Andrea’s Pizza Denny's Restaurant Dunkin Donuts Electronic Office Products Embassy Suites by Hilton of Saratoga Springs Esperanto's Golden Corral Marty Hellwig: Transborder Global Freight Systems

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Log Jam Restaurant Hannaford Food & Drug Superstore Homestead Funding Jeff Many Mexican Connection Price Chopper Corporate Gift Committee Putnam Market Residence Inn by Marriott Roma Importing Co. Saratoga Apple Spring Street Deli Sysco Food Services The Brook Tavern The Villa Family Triangle Diner Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagel

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 23

Festival of Trees 2019

Corporate Sponsors

Adirondack Beverage Adirondack Trust Company Altria Group Distribution Company Anheuser Busch Bast Hatfield Bimbo Bakeries USA Boston Beer Bunzl USA The Coca Cola Company Coldwell Banker/Prime Companies Constellation Brands D.A. Collins Construction Company DeCrescente Distributing Company Diageo Fidelis Care Fifco Frito Lay, Inc. General Mills Grant Sales and Marketing Great Lakes Cheese Harpoon Brewery ITG Brands Jack Links Liggett Vector Brands Lil Drug Store Products Maplewood Ice Company, Inc. MLB Construction Services Miller-Coors Minute Maid Nestle Waters Old Neighborhood Foods/Demakes Enterprises Pabst Brewing Co. Parfetti VanMelle Paul De Lima Coffee Pepsico Premier Manufacturing, Inc. Quad Graphics Roohan Realty Stewart's Shops S&S Brokerage Unifirst Corporation Yuengling

24 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 25

Table Top Trees

Sponsors & Decorators TREE JUDGES Marcia Okosky Grace Rosse Jackie Saxton

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE

CHRISTMAS GLITTER

S: James Doyle, Esq. D: Beth Jahn, Mary Knutson,

S: Christopher J. Spratt D: Sharon Drosky, Megan Wegener,

Julie Anderson

Judi Pelky

CHRISTMAS AT POOH CORNER

WINTER WONDER

FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS

S: Sisters of Planet Fitzgerald D: Kathy Farrell, Therese

S: Hal & Ellen Card D: Saratoga West Green Grannies-

S: My Saratoga Dentist D: Kendra, Alli, Lauren, Lisa, Diana,

O’Callaghan

HIGH MAINTENANCE S: Stiansen Family D: Julie Burke

Carol Froberg, June Simpson, Sandra Baker, Donna Earl, Sheila Widerski, Donna Mayette

Rachel & Dr. Ryan Osinski

ANGELS IN THE CLOUDS

S: The Wesley Community D: Saranya Thomas, Donna

S: TPL Flooring D: Carol Froberg, Carol Innuzio,

ADIRONDACK GLITZ AND GLAM S: Sovern Law, PLLC D: Cheryl Sovern

Ruth Francis

ELVES

S: Dr. and Mrs. Roland Phillips D: Maria Peters

FLANNEL AND FROST Puckhaber

SNOWMAN TIME

S: Precision Concrete Pumping, Inc. D: Heather Shyptycki, Lynn Shyptycki

ADIRONDACK MEMORIES

JOLLY GINGER CHRISTMAS

S: Bruce and Madge O’Connell D: Roberta Games

S: Jack Byrne Ford, Inc D: Santa’s Helpers-

COASTAL CHRISTMAS

Nancy Schumacher, Candyce Rubenstein, Kathy Farrell, Diana Miller

Valentine, Terry McCue

BEANIE BOO CHRISTMAS

RED & WHITE

S: Vince & Annie O’Neill D: Stephanie Valentine,

S: St. Clement’s Church D: Tom & Irene Burns

S: Keith and Kim Pacheco D: Lucia Valentine, Marcus

Terry McCue, Marcus Valentine, Lucy Valentine, Jolinda Valentine, Wesley Valentine

2019 Festival pick up and delivery info: * Visitors wishing to purchase a

PICK UP

tree, centerpiece, or wreath should lift the tag from the item and take the tag to the sales table.

wreaths, and centerpieces is 3:30–4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 2. The Saratoga Festival of Trees cannot be responsible for items not picked up on time.

PURCHASING

* Pick up time for small trees,

TREE DELIVERY

Most table top trees will be delivered on Sunday. Large trees will be delivered free of charge within a 10-mile radius of Saratoga Springs on Monday, December 3. Upon purchase, please inform the sales table of the best time for delivery.

26 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Floor Trees

Sponsors & Decorations KEY: TREE NAME S: Sponsors D: Decorators

SILENT NIGHT S: Advisors Insurance Brokers-Kevin J. Johnson D: Lynn Robinson

A SARATOGA VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS S: Saratoga Hospital’s

AN EQUESTRIAN CHRISTMAS

PEACE ON EARTH

S: Church of St. Peter D: Bouchey & Clarke Benefits-

S: Scott & Julie Johnson D: St. Mary’s School-Jae Tracey,

IT’S A HOOT!

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS

Alison Gorton, Heather Eglin, Eileen Lance, Mary Eddy, Laura Ward Melissa King, Tara Testo

S: SEFCU S: Rich and Mary Flaherty D: SEFCU Wilton/Skidmore- D: Rachel Farchione,

Cathyren Caggiano, Claudia Claudette Farchione, Fleming, Robbin MacFarren, Elizabeth Carlisle, Ashley Hack, Irene Deyette, Jessica Jonathan Markowicz, Garmley, Alexis Cole, Patricia Theresa Markowicz Benincas, Venessa Kavoric

Nursing Staff on D1 D: Kathy Crandall, Sue Rutkowski, Louise McAndrew, Linda Ward, Cosette Lotz, Roxanne Day, Linda Schmeelcke, Trish Delong

Pasquarelli, Gail DeLilli

RECYCLED SENTIMENTS

STEP INTO CHRISTMAS

S: Roohan Realty D: Karan Murray, Darlene Chorman,

S: Catholic Daughters of the

Tamara Valentine, Jason Thomas, Victoria Hankinson, Fran Ryan

SNOW WHITE S: Burke and Bussing Funeral Homes D: Saratoga Springs Dentistry- Bonnie Symon, Christin Banovic, Dr. Gregory P. Dodd

BIRDS AND BEES S: Coldwell Banker Prime Properties D: Jim Spear, Bonnie Weiler,

Doreen DeLuca

KISS ME AT MIDNIGHT

S: Julie & Co. Realty S: Tom and Kathleen Cosmus D: Tim Healy-Posie Peddler Inc. D: Kim Kissinger, Michaelyn

Americas-Court McLaughlin #422

D: Andrea Masterson & 3 Eleven Home

Staging and Design

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE? S: Walter S. Borisenok Family Foundation

D: Tim Healy-Posie Peddler Inc.

CHRISTMAS AT TIFFANY’S S: Smiles for Life- Dr. Marc Johnson D: Smiles for Life

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS

S: Home of the Good Shepherd D: Home of the Good Shepherd

S: Jim & Joanne Grande D: Christin Mason, JoAnn Hordern

VINTAGE MEMORIES OF HOME

YOU’LL NEVER CATCH ME, I’M THE GINGERBREAD TREE! S: Cudney’s Launderers and

S: Cartier Real Estate D: Melissa Cartier, Colleen Cameron,

Jennifer Hallowell, Jaime Pritchard, Nikki Mazzotti

Dry Cleaners

O’ HOLY NIGHT

Christine Klass, Katie Breen, Cindy Fiorini

S: Knights of Columbus, Saratoga - 246 D: Diana Bradley, Patricia Pemrick,

D: The Jingle Belles- Debbie Cartier,

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

THE ENCHANTED FOREST

Rita Thiesen

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 27

Festival of Trees 2019

Decor Donors

Dawn Baird Emma Baird Eric Baird Jade Baird Donna Bates Eleanor Boyle Deb Brown Irene Burns Eli Cameron Jenna Cameron Kaitlyn Cameron Kylie Cameron Florence Campion Susan Christopher Holly Croll Mary Curtis Drosky Friends Joan Ferris Joanne Figliomeni Veronica Frazier Debbie Grady Sandy Granger Laurie Groff Libbi Guigli Dorothy Harran

Katie Hart Judy Hefter Mary Holmes Linda Hoyt Christa Hyland, Howard Hanna Realtors Dianne Johnstone Connie Kirkpatrick Cosette Lotz John & Rosie Manley Sally Manz Friends of Mary’s Haven Pat Meaney Diana Miller G Miller Milton Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Lori Langdon & Caylie Ann Neville Mary Noel Erin O’Donnell Marcia Okosky Faith S. Palma Yolanda Paolicelli Barbara Parrish Judi Pelky

Patsy Pemrick Jacqueline Peters Maria Peters Anne Reed Kathy Rivers Pam Roach Donna Rossomando Alexandra Russell Diane Russell Sue Rutkowski Friends of St. Peter’s Youth Ministry Jackie Saxton Skidmore Apts Barbara Sutherland Rita Thiesen Diane Tribley Joanne Vaughn Megan Vaughn Jane Wait Shirley Waterfield Megan Wegener Sarah Woods Yaddo Garden Association 3 Generations – Judy, Kathy, Jackie

28 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Festival of Trees 2019

Raffle Donors Adirondack Experience Airways Meadows Ausable Chasm Catholic Charities Board of Directors The Children’s Museum of Saratoga Depot Theatre Glimmerglass Festival Homemade Theatre The Hyde Collection Lake George Steamboat Company National Museum of Dance Saratoga Performing Arts Center The Wild Center World Awareness Children’s Museum

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 29

Festival of Trees 2019

Volunteers

Ann Argentine Alice D’Agestino Dawn Baird Emma Baird Judith Banks Annette Bartol Donna Bates Carol Begley Alberta Bennett Anthony Borelli Eleanor Boyle Carole Bradley Diana Bradley Kevin Bradley Nancy Brockley Kathy Brower Beth Brumaghim Darlene Burke Diana Burke Robin Byrt Ellen Calabrese Amy Calzonetti Jenna Cameron Kylie Cameron Betsey Cannon Barb Capone Ann Carey Joan Carola Beth Chabot Kathy Cheeseman Christian Brothers Academy Coach Drescher & Hockey Players Becky Christner Marilynn Civic Zac Colangelo Mary Lee Conway Barbara Crandell Kathy Crandell Linda Crawford Judy Dalbey Nancy Dominic Patricia Dorsey Ceil Drosky Joe Drosky Barbara Duffy Jean Dugan

30 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019

Toni Dybowski Christine Edwards Sue Erickson Amy Farrigan Joanne Fragomeni Jim Gapcznyski Regina Gapcznyski Maureen Gemerek Susan Giannini Maryanne Gibbs Mary Gilhooly Kathy Gorman Mary Goyette Michelle Goyette Sandy Granger Pat Gussey Chip Guyon Jane Guyon Gianna Haley Cathy Harkins Maria Harrison Bridgette Hartman Garrett Hedge Judy Hefter Emily Hilko Bernice Hollowood Carol Howard Maureen Humiston Joseph Isabella Kathleen James Diana Jenner Amanda Kapusniak Renee Kapusniak Gail Kelleher Stacy Kielb Sandy Kirshe Katie Krasnicki Cathy LaBoda David Lauzon Michelle Lauzon Marge Leabourne Joan Lighthart Debbie Luciano Julianna Luciano Sandy Lundberg Megan Lyons Lynn Madden

Linda Maffei Erika Magnone Mark Magnone Quimby Mahoney JoAnn Malatesta Holly Manganelli John Manganelli Pat Mangona Pat Meaney Shirley Mederski Adrienne Megtert Marion Minehan Carolyn Mitzen Rita Moldovan Kathleen Monaco Mary Murabito Tara Murphy Kate Naughton Sandy Norris Nancy O’Leary Brooke Packievicz Faith S. Palma Yolanda Paolicelli Janis Parker Kristin Parrish Palma Pedrick Dan Pemrick Patsy Pemrick Lisa Perilli Bob Perilli Janet Perrotta Lindsey Perrotta Susanne Petito Cindy Phillips Jamie Pietrosanto Nancy Pompa Betsy Porter Tom Porter Carol Powers Linnea Primeau Principessa Elena Society & Women’s Auxiliary Margaret Prough Sheila Quinn Debbie Rach Pat Reed Pat Reo

Cathy Rice Kathy Rinaldi Amy Ripchik Ellie Ripchik Christopher Robenstein Richard E. Robenstein Sylvia Rogers Jane Root Sue Rutkowski Mary Ellen Ryall Fran Ryan Emily Shufelt Linda Shufelt Lynn Schultz Tymm Schumaker Marylyn Schweiker Corinne Scirocco Emma Shea Skyler Shea Cameron Simons Trish Sivalls Gavin Spratt Robert Spratt Shawn Spratt Ashley Staigar Karen Stetkar Mary Stevens Robin Stroup Jim Sykes Tom Tanner Denis Tario Patty Tario Rita Thiesen Kathy Totten Michele Torres Rose Turo Melissa Tyner Anne Wagner Shirley Waterfield Linda Watters Jeanne Whitney Nancy M. Wilder Kathy Wilson Marianne Witkowski John Zanetti

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Shining Stars atop the trees Gold Sponsors SHINING STAR DONOR IN MEMORIAM Bill & Rose Armstrong Bill & Rose Armstrong Mr. & Mrs. Jerome R. Callaghan The Clements Firm Sharon & Stanley Drosky Hugh & Mary Ann Foley Anthony & Margaret Mangano The Mansfield/Waechter Family Carmen Milligi Munter Enterprises, Inc. Saratoga-Wilton Elks #161 John and Anne Wagner Anonymous

Arthur & Ann Armstrong John Barella, Sr. & Angelina Barella William J. Tremblay Dorothy and Ernie Lloyd

Monica Murphy, CSJ Judith Griffin Mansfield Stacy and Topper Milligi Our Absent Members William J. Donohue, Jr. Family and Friends

Silver Sponsor SHINING STAR DONOR IN MEMORIAM

Lew & Linda Benton Donna & Tom Caseo Our Parents Yolanda Paoicelli Frank Paolicelli Sam's Tires & Automotive Rick & Becky Stauffer Hank & Mary Lee O'Neill Schab Charles & Edith Ward James Conroy Charles & Edith Ward Jean Havranek Charles & Edith Ward Marge & Frank Havranek Charles & Edith Ward Rose & George Havranek Charles & Edith Ward Peggy Murphy Charles & Edith Ward Doris Pidgeon Charles & Edith Ward Gwen Prudhomme Charles & Edith Ward Stella Sliter Charles & Edith Ward Charles & Edith Ward

Bronze Sponsors

SHINING STAR DONOR Faith S. Palma Richard and Candyce Robenstein Richard and Candyce Robenstein saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

IN HONOR OF

Susan Ekiert Grace Vallone

IN MEMORIAM David E. Palma, Jr. Silas, Shirley & Jack Haley Richard, Marguerite, Randy & Rita Robenstein Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 31

Saratoga... 1,830

CANDY CANE WITH DARK DRIZZLE

Saratoga Candy Co.’s biggest holiday seller of their 18 choices of fudge. (Chocolate Peanut Butter is a close second!)

(196 in Saratoga County!)

1,064

How many organizations are helped through Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday Match

Amount of Peppermint Pigs that FLEW off the shelves at Impressions of Saratoga last year!

By The Numbers

250 2009 / 2010

NUMBER OF TREES, WREATHS AND CENTER PIECES AT THE SARATOGA FESTIVAL OF TREES

The year that Saratoga Arts inherited First Night from the YMCA

1986/500 1,935 Year and number of attendees of the 1st Victorian Streetwalk

The amount of Family History lapel pins sold at Celtic Treasures each year.

222,133 $269,441 POPULATION OF SARATOGA COUNTY

Raised in Saratoga Co. through Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday Match

$104.32

1st DBA Gift Card ever issued, Kissing Balls sold at purchased Dehn’s over collectively the last ten years! by the parents of Average amount of people at the the Beagle Victorian Streetwalk School – 1990

500 25K

32 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

A Christmas Tradition

How a child’s spur of the moment gift to her mother turned into a 40-year tradition WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 33

itting atop a small ice cube, a friendly eskimo and a little white polar bear smile joyously.

It was the Christmas of 1980 when a 13-year-old girl found this “Cool Yule” Hallmark Keepsake ornament at Carl Co. in the Pyramid Mall. She liked it and thought her mother, Kathe Rose, would too. “I thought it was cute. Then I saw it was a series, so after that it just went and went,” said Stacey Anderson. She never realized that with this gift, she had started a new family tradition.

Making the Magic

In the 1970s, glass ball ornaments dominated the holiday decorating scene. “Short of a kid making it in school and bringing it home to put on the tree, besides glass balls, there wasn’t much available in the way of ornaments,” recalls Rose. Hallmark Card Co., known for their greeting cards and gifts, released the first Keepsake Ornaments in 1973. By the following year, they featured the artwork of Norman Rockwell and Currier & Ives. The first two ornaments in the “Frosty Friends” series were designed by Jim Mahon (who would later become the famed Art Director for The Jim Henson Company). When artist Ed Seale took over creating the “Frosty Friends” series in 1983, other than a slight color change, he didn’t stray far from Mahon’s original design. Seale continued drawing the eversmiling eskimo and his animal companions in a

variety of scenarios for the “Frosty Friends” collection until he retired in 1999. Artist Sharon Visker has been designing “Frosty Friends” ever since, making it the longest-running series that Hallmark has ever created.

Determination Builds a Collection

Crafting a set like this is more than a rich history of artistry, it is also a story of perseverance, and what it takes to build a complete collection. Anderson remembers the year when, as a young adult, she forgot to get a “Frosty Friends” ornament for her mother. “I was on the phone and she was talking about how sad she was, how devastated she was, she didn’t get an ornament. Whatever happened that year, I didn’t get it and I felt horrible. I ran out that day and got that ornament. I never missed it again,” said Anderson. In 1990, Kathe received two of the same ornament when her son gave her one, also. “He just knew I liked those and had lost track that every single one had come from Stacey. It was her thing,” said Kathe.

34 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Other years would bring shortages at local shops. Those were the times Anderson would call around frantically to find one, search online, and even request the help of her brother to send one up from North Carolina. Some years, the Christmas tree would shed its needles and strain under the weight of the heavy porcelain and acrylic ornaments. In 1992, the year Anderson became engaged, the entire tree toppled over with a loud crash, startling her fiancé, who had fallen asleep on the couch. “I feel bad if they’ve been in their box all year and then there’s not enough room to fit them on the tree,” said Rose. Although several ornaments were broken, luckily, all of the “Frosty Friends’’ pieces came out unscathed. They weren’t so fortunate the year the dog found them and used them as a chew toy. Those were replaced.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 35

Sharing Memories

Looking at the ornaments now, they are reminded of family memories and collecting milestones simultaneously. Still enamored by the eskimo and his friends after all these years, their favorites are the ones that carry a specific memory; of cooking s'mores, riding a snowmobile similar to their own, or playing golf, which Rose also enjoys. They’re enchanted by the little idiosyncrasies that they’ve discovered within the collection, like the little pink fish that pops out to try to catch candy-cane bait, or the year the figures all had bobbleheads. Rose bought Hallmark ornaments in bulk to distribute at the phone company where she worked. Anderson started a Hallmark Keepsake collection for each of her children. “I always tell people to pick one up and start a series. I think it’s a neat tradition. As we kept doing it, it became a bigger deal to us. Now, I can’t stop buying them because I don’t want to break a series,” she said.

Along with preparing their traditional foods, visiting with the Saratoga Santa, their family, and neighbors, the “Frosty Friends” have become an important part of this family’s holiday expectations. “It just wouldn’t be Christmas without them!”

36 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Coffee with Mrs.Claus

WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 37

Christmas

Just saying the word makes me happy. I think of home and family, and I’m instantly brought back to the Charlie Brown tree we'd get from the back woods every year. My father would have to nail it to the floor of the living room so it wouldn't tip over. We'd decorate it with ornaments that told a story. Whether they were hand-made or store-bought, they all had meaning. Gaily wrapped gifts would suddenly appear under the tree Christmas morning, taking our breath away. Finally, we got to come out of the bedroom and shout "Merry Christmas!" to each other. I remember the first time I wandered the streets of Saratoga -with hundreds of others- during the holiday season. I was awe-struck and a little bit weepy as we all enjoyed the simplicity and true meaning of the holidays here. The town's annual celebrations during the month of December have the same effect on me today, as when I was one of five children waiting excitedly for Santa and his reindeer to arrive at 317 Maple Avenue.

Last year, I posted my own letter to the North Pole. I told Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus that I'd love to meet them when they next visited Saratoga. I'd heard whispers that, sometimes, they snuck down early, and I wanted to thank them in person for all the memories they'd given me as a child. I wrote that I still believed in the magic of Christmas, even at my age! Months later, I opened a letter from Santa's Village; Mrs. Claus had accepted my invitation! She'd meet me for coffee at a little shop in Saratoga called Spot Coffee. I was ecstatic! The child in me jumped up and down in excitement. How lucky was I, having coffee with one of my favorite people in the whole wide world?!"You're making me remember things that I haven't thought of in years!” She exclaimed, as we sat down in the corner. “How wonderful! "

38 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

And so it began… Mrs. Claus and I, sharing two cups of steaming coffee, leaning over to talk about the magic of Christmas. The first thing she remembered about her visit to Saratoga – over thirty years ago - was how quaint and Victorian the town was. She recalled how she and Santa had been personally invited to come and celebrate the holidays with the folks in town. Usually she stayed behind at the North Pole, working behind the scenes, so this was all new to her.

“Actually, I was saddened by it. There were no cheerful red and green colors on the doors, and it seemed like some of the roof shingles were falling off." She closed her eyes and shuddered." Santa should never sit in a place like that, it was depressing! " Shortly after their first visit to Saratoga, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were invited to come every year to help celebrate the holidays with the people of the

town. Mrs. Claus had something to say about it. Actually… she had a lot to say about it. "If we're going to do this, Santa, the cottage has to change." She put her foot down. "Our cottage will have to be a bit bigger, a lot nicer, and it will need to remind me of home." Santa nodded to each of her demands. He knew she was a neat-nick and a stickler for detail.

This particular year, Mrs. Claus wanted a very special gift for Santa. She chuckled as she drank her coffee. "I couldn't send the elves to get it, they are horrible at keeping secrets! I knew I'd have to go myself. " She decided that Saratoga might be the perfect place to get his present. When stepping out of the sleigh, gazing at the old-fashioned streets for the very first time, her skirt got caught on the runner and she remembered hearing the tear of her bustle. "Oh, my goodness!” She said to Santa. "I don't have my sewing machine, not even a needle and thread, how on earth will I mend this? " A passerby told them of a young woman who was busy making her name as the best seamstress in town. Michelle Erceg was the proprietor of "Best Dressed Windows In Town” and although she only met with people by appointment, when she heard of Mrs. Claus' dilemma she opened the shop doors and graciously mended her bustle. They'd chatted over coffee and became fast friends. "I felt the magic of Christmas right away in Saratoga, in the hope of children's hearts, to sit on Santa's lap and in adult's determination to help make that happen.” “The cottage there was not impressive.” She recalled.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 39

"The cottage ended up an exact replica of the playhouse my father had made for me when I was a little girl. All the building supplies were donated by local businesses and even though I'd supplied a photograph of the cottage, I cried like a baby when it was finished. It was perfect! I felt like my father had surprised me with it all over again! Even the furniture and curtains matched the original. I was in awe, the magic of Christmas hugged me when I stepped inside." "There used to be a shop here in town. It was called Saratoga Beads. One day I walked in to see a young girl working with her mother, making necklaces in cheerful colors and patterns of little beads. Her jaw dropped when she saw me, and we talked for a few minutes. She gave me a message to take back to Santa, giving me a big hug when I got ready to leave with my purchases."

40 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Mrs. Claus took a sip of her coffee, sighing deeply before she began to talk again. "Her mom told me, much later, that her daughter had smiled brightly when the shop door closed behind me, instantly declaring that she'd make a special necklace and give it to me the next time I came to Saratoga." "You have to understand, there were a lot less people back then, coming to celebrate the holidays in Saratoga. Several hundred, sometimes a few thousand, would wander around downtown during December, enjoying a cup of cocoa while window shopping or enjoying dinner with family, somewhere on Broadway. Crowds would listen to carolers on street corners or enjoy tree-lighting ceremonies while visiting. There was always something special to do in December!

little one reached up, holding out a package. It was wrapped and tied with a ribbon. She said it was for me, that she'd made me something extra special. I opened my most precious gift ever. It was a necklace. Made of red and green patterned beads, put together with little hands and a great deal of love." Mrs. Claus looked at me. " She's all grown up now, but I wear it every year under my sweater. I call it my 'Allison Necklace'. We both cried a little, laughing through our tears, drinking the last of our coffee.

There is no better time than Christmas in Saratoga, no better feeling than embracing the hope and belief in the holiday season. The joy of giving, the belief in something bigger than ourselves and the promise of a better tomorrow. It's like a warm blanket that covers all of us. Celebrating Christmas in The Spa City, sharing the magic of Santa's visit, alongside thousands of other people who also believe… Simply Perfect!

Merry Christmas To All!

One day, I was standing in the street, talking to a wonderful young family about Christmas and what the holiday meant to them. Suddenly, I heard someone yelling at the top of their lungs! They were screeching my name! " Mrs. Claus paused a moment to wipe her eyes. I was touched that she was crying. I didn't say anything, wanting her to finish this memory of that special moment. "I looked in that direction and saw the little girl from the bead shop! She was running, full throttle… at me! The crowd opened around her, so she had a clear path. She hit me like a ton of bricks, arms hugging me tightly, her face buried in my cape." My own eyes were watering now, spilling over with the emotion I was feeling. I let the tears run down my cheeks, brushing them away with the back of my hand. “This

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 41

Victorian

33 rd Annual

42 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Streetwalk A Photo Essay of the night's events by Terry-Lynn Pellegri

December 5, 2019

Saratoga’s Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on

The Honorable Mayor Meg Kelly will light the tree

Thursday, December 5th at 5:30-6:00 pm to kick off the Victorian Streetwalk!

at 6:00 pm followed by the kick off to the evening: The Santa Parade.

Carolers will serenade the crowd with Christmas Santa, Clara, elves and Rumple Dumple will visit with Carols beginning at 5:45 pm as the children await... Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on horse and carriage (provided by Saratoga Casino Hotel) escorted in by Santa’s elves!

children throughout the evening in the beautiful Santa Cottage located in the center of town (Broadway at Caroline).

Santa will visit with children on December 5th... and throughout the month of December!

Brought to you by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, MVP Health Care and Mackey Auto Group in downtown Saratoga, on December 5.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 43

Everyone is invited to join the fun in downtown Saratoga! There you’ll find caroling, dance, live music performances and an old-fashioned Christmas in celebration of the start of the holiday season!

Enjoy over 35 sites with free entertainment, including... Burnt Hills Oratorio Society Er Go Blu Ed Stander Musical Glasses The Racing City Chorus Bobby Dick and Susie Q Magic Dan Mother Goose Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club Hammered Dulcimer Music Sonny & Perley Duo Saratoga Central Catholic High School’s Living Nativity Scene St. Peter’s Choir Toy Soldier PJ the Facepainter John & Orion Kribs Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Select High School Choir Saratoga City Ballet Dancers Sean the Prankster Magician Crazy Christine Balloons A cappella and brass groups from Skidmore College Saint Paul's Lutheran Church Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus Shenendehowa Select Middle School Chorus Six Penny Bit Capitaland Chorus Sax-O-Claus The Saratoga County 4-H club's gingerbread house display at various locations Santa and Mrs. Claus Festival of Trees at the City Center Sparkles the Juggler Octavo Singers Saratoga Abundant Life Church The Salvation Army Band Victorian Photobooth The list goes on and on! 44 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Special Victorian Streetwalk postal cancellations Stop by the Post Office with your stamped Christmas card envelopes, get them canceled with the specially designed 33rd Anniversary Victorian Streetwalk cancellation (free) and you have a month to mail them. The 33rd Annual Victorian Streetwalk is brought to you by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District, MVP Health Care and Mackey Auto Group in downtown Saratoga Springs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Getting There/ Parking: Broadway will close from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. from the Route 50 arterial to the Spring Street intersection. CDTA, a festival Gold Sponsor, is running free shuttle buses every 20 minutes from the following locations (last run at 9 p.m.):

East Side: • NYRA’s Oklahoma Track just off Exit 14 of I-87, Gate 21 on the corner of East Ave and Union Ave

West Side: • Empire State College parking lot at 111 West Avenue • Saratoga Performing Arts Center parking lot off Rt. 50 • National Museum of Dance on South Broadway

Most businesses will be open late

and will hold open houses and serve delicious, free refreshments to their guests, friends and customers. The festivities continue until 9:00 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Don’t miss out on this wonderful holiday event for the whole family! The festivities continue until 10:00 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Don’t miss out on the wonderful holiday event for the whole family! WE LOVE YOUR ANIMALS AS MUCH AS YOU, BUT PLEASE LEAVE THEM HOME; A SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY ORDINANCE FOR ALL LARGE EVENTS. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 45

The 33rd Annual Victorian Streetwalk brought to you by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association in downtown Saratoga Springs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Broadway will close from 5:00 to 9:00 from the Route 50 arterial to the Spring Street intersection.

Santa's Hours

Friday, Dec. 6............... 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 .......... 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 ............. 1-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 ............. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 ........ 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 ........... 1-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.............. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 ........ 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 ............1-4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 ...........Back to the North Pole! Santa’s hours may be subject to change. Please check SaratogaSpringsDowntown.com for updates

46 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Victorian Streetwalk is the Downtown Business Association’s way of saying

“Thank You”

to all our customers for supporting our beautiful downtown throughout the year. Generous support for the Victorian Streetwalk was received from: Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District MVP Health Care Mackey Auto Group and the following sponsors:

Gold Media Sponsor: Saratoga TODAY

Our Gold Transportation Sponsor: CDTA

Event Sponsors:

AYCO deJonghe Original Jewelry Dark Horse Mercantile Impressions of Saratoga Menges & Curtis Apothecary Solevo Kitchen & Social Saratoga’s Best High Peaks Sound Saratoga Casino Hotel The Downtowner Matt’s Service Center

Event Neighbors:

The Adelphi Hotel Burger Fi Celtic Treasures City of Saratoga Springs Cudney's Launderers & Dry Cleaners G. Willikers Harvey's Restaurant & Bar The Pink Paddock Putnam Market Soave Faire Spoken Boutique Violet’s of Saratoga

Special Thanks to:

Bonacio Construction Company D.A. Collins Donnelly Construction WJ Morris Excavating NYRA Empire State College National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame Saratoga Performing Arts Center

and our print sponsors:

Advantage Press & Ambrosino Design

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 47

2017 Fist Night Fire Works by John Seymour

48 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Poster Art By Charlotte Noruzi

Buffalo Brass Machine , photo by Gretchen Henniger

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 49

Saratoga

F I R ST N I G H T TUESDAY DECEMBER 31 Poster Art By Charlotte Noruzi

New Year’s Eve

is a time to look to the future, live in the present and respect the past. For the 24th year, Saratoga Springs rings in the new year with Saratoga First Night, a citywide arts and music festival for people of all ages. Thousands will gather downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31, as Saratoga Arts hosts over 60 performing groups in venues throughout the city, with a 5K road race kicking off the night. Throughout the evening at the City Center, First Night revelers will journey through time with the Joey Thomas Big Band, a Grammy-nominated swing group that plays everything from Big Band music of the 1930 and 40s to horn music of the 60s and 70s—as well as classic rock and contemporary hits of today. They share the headlining stage with Wild Adriatic, a rowdy blues-rock band with an explosive live performance to keep the dance party going. Also, at the City Center, Saratoga’s legendary rock band The Figgs, pop-rock favorites Sirsy and high-school heavy metal band Reprise play side stages.

The Joey Thomas Big Band

Robonic Reggae Band

Wild Adriatic

50 | Saratoga Christmas | 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Sirsy

Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club

Shakespeare Approves!

This year’s First Night theme is A New Dimension—and the festival introduces a host of new acts to Saratoga Springs this year. Progressive string quartet Blind Crow, a crew of virtuoso pickers, brings their infectious rhythms, technical proficiency and insane energy to Caffè Lena. New York City’s acclaimed Chinese Theater Works appear at Lake Avenue School to perform “Tiger Tales,” a shadow puppet performance drawing on Chinese folktales and literature. Over at the Saratoga Arts Gallery, DJ and emcee Sime Gezus warms up the crowd with chill beats. Other acts bringing new energy and perspective to First Night 2020 include jazzy-funky jam band Let’s Be Leonard and Tambourelli & Her SuperTrips, led by a vocalist with a powerful and captivating presence reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Guitarist and composer Nick Millevoi (John Zorn, Nels Cline) unveils his Desertion Trio, which fearlessly explores the history of instrumental electric guitar music. Drank the Gold is a new duo from Saratoga Springs with a rising reputation and an innovative take on traditional old-time North Atlantic folk music. Sime Gezus

Returning acts this year include favorites the McKrells, one of the region’s most influential and best-loved Celtic acts. The North & South Dakotas pay homage to the spirit of old-time American music and mountain folk with a harmony-rich sound. Robanic Reggae Band gets funky with a colorful range of Caribbean music, including old-school reggae, calypso and the latest dancehall sounds from Jamaica. And darkly nostalgic singer-songwriter Belle-Skinner brings her hauntingly beautiful pop to New Year’s Eve. A budget-friendly $20 button provides admission to all of the performers—which also includes surf music, storytelling, skateboarding demos, country line dancing, face painting, martial arts, tarot reading, barbershop singing, Shakespeare improv, punk and party bands, educational animal shows, Saratoga Youth Symphony and much more. The city of Boston originated the idea of First Night in 1976 as an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration filled with arts, music and other festivities. The concept spread around the country and the world. Here in the Capital Region, Saratoga Springs hosts the only remaining First Night celebration—considered one of the largest and longest-lasting in the Northeast. Join us this year! For information, maps, button sale locations and a full schedule of performers, visit Saratoga-arts.org. As of Dec. 1, buttons will be available at Saratoga Arts on 320 Broadway and at other area businesses, including select Price Chopper and Market 32 stores. First Night Saratoga is a kids-in-free event—one child aged 12 and under will be admitted free with each paid adult. Buttons can also be purchased in advance at Saratoga-arts.org.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Christmas | 2019 | 51

LO C A L

•

E N T I N D E P E N D

•

F R E E

: S W E N G N BREAKI NOWS

mber 24, 2019 • November 28 - Dece 41 ue Iss • 9 e lum Vo

1-2480

paper.com • (518) 58

saratogaTODAYnews

K ta n a S w o h w o n k e W ! t! s li E IC N r o Y T H G U A N who’s on the ee by Chris Vallone Bush Saratoga TODAY

in this a on little kids living nt Sa to ck SARATOGA — ba g in rt po few for the Shelf has been re eir photos! Here are a th us nt That’s right, the Elf on se ve ha s er ad f… because our re area and we have proo us! case you don’t believe in st ju lf, se ur yo r fo you to see

quite Our Elf, Jax, caused at th g in orn m the stir the d him fin t no d ul co the kids ANYWHERE! gh the After running throu y m ice tw whole house floor and daughter fell to the king that started crying thin Luckily er. Jax was gone forev r to open he d tol er her big broth ... and her eyes and look UP out ing there was Jax, hang g from the in watching everyth ceiling fan!