Heat Defeated By Good Times on Saratoga’s 4th of July
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The mission was clear. Go forth on the Fourth. And despite the sizzling 90+ degree temps, you certainly did.
A hometown Fourth of July is about as All-American as things get – and the folks who participated – the organizers and volunteers at Saratoga’s All-American Celebration, who have been at this for over a decade (this year’s is the 11th) – well, they laughed at the heat and represented. Kudos to them, and the restaurant vendors who rallied, and sampled outstanding versions of their BBQ and desserts. Here are this year’s winners and ‘People’s Choices:’
2018 BBQ + Dessert Fest Winners!
BBQ Fest:
Best Off Broadway: The Parting Glass
Best Off Broadway Runner Up: Harvey’s Restaurant + Bar
Best Newcomer: Dizzy Chicken Wood Fired Rotisserie
Best Overall BBQ: The Parting Glass
Best Overall BBQ Runner Up: Harvey’s Restaurant + Bar
President’s Choice: Olde Bryan Inn
President’s Choice Runner Up: Greenhouse Salad
Dessert Fest:
Best Off Broadway: The Parting Glass
Best Off Broadway Runner Up: Harvey’s Restaurant + Bar
Best Newcomer: Ravenous Creperie
Best Newcomer Runner Up: Greenhouse Salad
Best Overall Dessert: The Parting Glass
Best Overall Dessert Runner Up: Harvey’s Restaurant + Bar
President’s Choice: Grandma Apple’s Cheesecakes
President’s Choice Runner Up: Ravenous Creperie
A HUGE SHOUT OUT to all participating restaurants and tasters.
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Indeed, and I’d also like to shout out The Audiostars, who performed again and solidified their role as ‘The Franchise’ (see: Last year’s July 4th post.) Despite the fact that they had to perform under a sun-blocking canopy (which gave shade and only increased the temperature maybe 300 degrees) and that they often played across a solar-blanched blacktop to their fans, who had retreated to the shady side of things (smart fans!), the enthusiasm that they projected was right on point – they probably could don parkas and pull off a great gig at this point. Well done again!
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And, a final tip o’ the fedora to Dave Bigler Photos and Films, who once again brought their A-Game to the party and captured the essential elements of this day (and night) perfectly. Their fireworks photos are so magnificent, I feel I can put my camera away and enjoy. Which I did…
You can see other fine examples of their July 4th work on the event’s Facebook page; and while you are at it – take a spin over to DaveBigler.com/ for a glimpse of their other fine work.
All in all, the heat met defeat, as Saratoga celebrated. Happy 242nd USA!
Arthur Gonick
July 12, 2018
