Month: February 2025

Saratoga Casino Hotel announced  84th season on Sunday, February 2. The 2025 schedule at the Spa oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December.

This year, horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses. The track will also host nine New York Sire Stakes programs featuring the best New York bred horses in the state racing for an additional $1.5 million in purses. The premier event of the season will be the 16th Annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace on Saturday, July 19. With a purse of $250,000 the Gerrity is expected to attract a field of top pacers.

Father and son, Mark and Brett Beckwith, will be looking to defend their 2024 training and driver titles. Mark trained 182 winners in 2024, a record number of wins for a trainer in a single season, and 21-year-old driver, Brett, crossed the finish line first 306 times last year.

 “We are looking forward to another great season of racing,” said Race Secretary, Peter Iovino. “The influx of young reinsmen is bringing a new level of excitement to harness racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel.”

Discover Saratoga is proud to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest, held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees braved the winter chill to sample an incredible variety of chowders from participating vendors and voted for their favorites. Winners were recognized in eight categories during the Annual Award Ceremony at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 5:30 p.m.

The 2025 Chowderfest winners are as follows:

• People’s Choice 500 bowls or less: Bentley’s Tavern
• People’s Choice 501-750 bowls: Ribbon Cafe
• People’s Choice 751-1,000 bowls: The Mill on Round Lake
• People’s Choice 1,001-1,500 bowls: The Wild Horse
• People’s Choice 1,501-2,000 bowls: Henry Street Taproom
• People’s Choice 2,001-3,000 bowls: Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar
• People’s Choice 3,001-4,000 bowls: Jacob & Anthony’s
• People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls: Druthers Brewing Company

GlobalFoundries has announced in a recent press release, a major leadership transition set to drive its next phase of growth. Effective April 28, 2025, Dr. Thomas Caulfield will become Executive Chairman, while current Chief Operating Officer Tim Breen is named Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Niels Anderskouv has been appointed President and COO.

Dr. Caulfield, who led GlobalFoundries as CEO since 2018—steering the company through a strategic portfolio repositioning and one of the largest semiconductor IPOs in history—will now focus on forging key industry, academic, and government partnerships. Tim Breen, a vital member of the team since 2018, is expected to leverage his extensive operational expertise to drive innovation and performance amid a competitive semiconductor market.

The transition also marks the departure of outgoing Chairman Ahmed Yahia, whose over a decade of leadership helped shape GlobalFoundries into a global semiconductor powerhouse. With Breen and Anderskouv’s strong backgrounds in operations and commercial strategy, the company is well-positioned to meet evolving customer demands and enhance its worldwide manufacturing footprint.

Brookmere in Saratoga Springs, NY is hosting a premiere wedding event on Sunday, March 2 from 11am to 2pm. The new boutique-style hotel, located at 500 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, is opening its doors to engaged couples who are looking to explore Brookmere’s luxurious new venue and connect with a curated group of top industry wedding professionals who will offer exclusive planning resources. Brookmere celebrates their first showcase with tastings, a champagne toast, and an exciting variety of door prizes and giveaways. Entertainer Garland Nelson will be performing live at the event as the Master of Ceremonies. 

In combination with the Wedding Showcase, Brookmere is offering special room rates for engaged couples who pre-register for the event. These couples can take advantage of an overnight stay on 3/1 or 3/2 and enjoy a special discounted rate. Reservations can be made by calling 1-844-276-6563 and using the code SHOW. 

Wedding professionals from the following categories will be present to provide their expertise to couples who are starting their planning journey or finalizing details: Beauty, Gowns/Formalwear, Cakes/Confections, DJ/Entertainment, Favors/Gifts, Florists/Flowers, Health and Fitness, Invitations, Live Music/Ceremony Music, Officiant, Photobooth, Photography, Rentals, Specialty, Transportation, and Venue. The complete list of 30 wedding professionals featured at the Brookmere Wedding Showcase can be found at BrookmereWeddingShowcase.com and includes the following: Arbor Spa at Brookmere, Body by Nicole, Brookmere, Caitlin Miller Photography, Cake by Alissa, Carta Bella Invitations and Announcements, Conway Entertainment, Dexter Davis Photography & Films, European Wax Center + Laser, Fawn MUA, Garland Nelson Officiant, Indulgence Bakery, Made You Look Backdrops, Mr. Formal Wear, Music Man Entertainment, Penchant for Petals, Rosewick Weddings, Saratoga Sound DJ and Acoustic, Say I Do Designs, Seraphina Divine Beauty, Smile Lounge Interactive, Saratoga Olive Oil, S. Teresa Photography, Styled by Lily Saratoga, Tania Susi Music, TBIRDS, The Lodge at Schroon Lake, The Posie Peddler, Upstate Transit of Saratoga LLC and Viscosi Photography.

A new chapter in Saratoga’s rich culinary story unfolds with the opening of Familiar Creature, a food focused wine bar located at 42 Phila Street. Inspired by the lively buvettes and bar-à-vin of France and Montreal, Familiar Creature combines approachable sophistication with heartfelt hospitality, offering a space where guests can gather to enjoy French- and Quebecois-inspired small plates, a curated wine selection, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Led by Executive Chef Michele Hunter and Sous Chef Alex Johnson, the menu reflects the team’s shared dedication to ingredient-driven cuisine. Hunter, a Food Network Chopped Champion, brings experience from celebrated establishments like The Adelphi Hotel and Hamlet & Ghost, while Johnson, a SUNY Delhi graduate contributes a refined approach honed over years working with top chefs that include Thomas Keller, Jenner Tomaska and Eric Leveillee.

 Together, they have crafted a dynamic menu featuring standout dishes like Crispy Skate Wing served with a shaved fennel and apple, Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, Braised Pork Belly served with a rich honey-madeira au jus over celery root puree and Parisian Gnocchi made with pate choux pastry dough serve with local black pearl mushrooms, shaved fennel and parmesan. Complementing these creations are the cheese and charcuterie offerings, a celebration of craftsmanship that balances artisanal local selections with renowned European varieties. Anchoring the menu is the signature French-style Roasted Chicken, pasture raised and all natural. This dedication to quality and care reflects Familiar Creature’s commitment to serving dishes that embody hospitality and a deep respect for ingredients.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Spring Auto Show has long marked the opening of the Capital Region’s busy car show season and has grown to be among the largest in the Northeast.  But this year’s event, set for Saturday, May 10, will be even more special.

“Last year’s show brought out over 950 enthusiasts with cars, trucks and motorcycles of every type and vintage,” offered museum executive director Megan Hennessy.  “For 2025, our dedicated volunteers and museum staff have set a goal of 1000 cars on our huge field adjacent to the museum in the Saratoga Spa State Park.  And we would, of course, be thrilled to host even more!”

The show will run from 9 am to 2 pm, with spectators admitted free.  Participants can pre-register online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org before May 9th for $20, with “day of” registrations set at $25.  All registrations will include admission to the auto museum.

The show will conclude with the traditional awards ceremony with MC Ron Hedger interviewing the winning owners in the nine judging categories, highlighted by the prestigious Best in Show award, on center stage.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce an expanded Pitch-In initiative, a dynamic program aimed at connecting residents with local non-profits. Built on the belief that small acts of kindness lead to big changes, this initiative seeks to make Saratoga County a brighter, stronger, and more connected place to live through volunteerism.

Volunteering plays a vital role in strengthening communities—and now, with Pitch-In, it’s never been easier for residents to get involved. By lending their time and talents, individuals can make a lasting impact while reaping personal rewards along the way.

“As we saw during the Chamber’s Leap of Kindness Day in 2024, when you pitch in and volunteer, you’re not just giving your time – you’re helping to build a community we can all be proud of,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Volunteering creates ripple effects that benefit everyone, from neighbors in need to the volunteers themselves.”

Why Volunteer?

The benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the good it does for others. It’s also a chance to connect, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the community you love. Here’s how volunteering makes a difference for individuals:

By Paul Post

Major, but short-lived events could have far-reaching impacts that promote tourism for years to come.

Discover Saratoga is doing everything possible to capitalize on them.

The Belmont Stakes is returning to the Spa Oval this summer along with an extended racing season, and numerous activities are planned for America’s 250th birthday celebration next year, in addition to observances for the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, a major turning point in the American Revolution.

“All of the amazing attributes we have in Saratoga County are what people are looking for, but we can never just rely on that,” said Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga president. “We have to keep getting the word out and make sure that people know about us. We don’t want to be the best kept secret in upstate New York.”

“We must always be innovating to stay competitive,” he said. “Our main competition comes from popular destinations in the Northeast. We compete by highlighting Saratoga’s unique attractions, vibrant history, amazing art scene, world class events and leveraging digital marketing partnerships to reach a broader audience.”

The 539-member, non-profit Discover Saratoga’s mission is driving economic growth by promoting Saratoga County as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, conventions and events – specifically geared toward tourism and hospitality.

Members have access to sales and marketing opportunities targeting event planners and visitors including guests attending weddings, City Center conventions and exhibits. They can also take part in Discover Saratoga events, digital marketing programs and cross-selling to other members.