5th Annual Beekman Street Art Fair

Join the family-friendly 5th Annual Beekman Street Art Fair event featuring over 50 fine and craft artists set up along Beekman Street from Grand to West Circular Street in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, June 11th from 10am to 5pm. Admission is FREE.

In addition to art there will be performing artists under the big tent, street performers and food trucks to please every palate. Children's art park and artist demonstrations will be highlighted.

This year the Children’s Art Park will be nature based and will be aided by Beekman Street’s Community Roots Preschool.  At several stations children will be able to create seed art mandalas, rainbow watercolor butterflies on coffee filter paper, make mother earth marble art and participate in a “Community Message Mural.”   Come creatively collaborate with your children, All ages are welcome!

Entertainment on the Main Stage will include performances by the Mark Kleinhaut Trio and Hot Club Jazz.   Also under the big tent will be a performance by the Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club and an open mic session hosted by Saratoga Children’s Theater.  Street performers from Circus Theatricks and Balloon Gal Jenny will be strolling the street to entertain the young ones.

Hungry? Thirsty? We've got a delicious line-up of food trucks coming for the fair, including Fitzy's Fork In The Road, Smoothies on Wheels, Grasso's Italian Ice, Crêpe me up, Pies On Wheels, The Mason Jar- Fresh squeezed lemonade, The 413 Grill LLC and more. Join us and bring your appetite!

Produced by the Arts District on Beekman, Inc. a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a generous Community Arts Grant from Saratoga Arts, made possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Arts Fest Fridays - Beauty & The Beasts Fri June 9th

Be our guest for a magical Arts Fest Friday as SaratogaArtsFest presents Beauty & the Beasts June 9, from 6 to 8 PM at the Victoria Pool House in Saratoga Spa State Park.

Featured artist Opera Saratoga will perform selections from their exciting, puppet-filled production of the classic opera, Beauty & the Beast (Zémire et Azor). Tour the “Animals in Art,” exhibit curated by Quinn Tetterton.

Create a keepsake Venetian Mask or elaborate fan. Visit the friendly furry beasts at our petting zoo where kids can take pony rides on beautiful plumed Dream Ponies, attended by courtly groomsmen. Let the sounds of chamber music transport you back in time.

This latest installment of the popular Arts Fest Fridays series promises to tame even the most savage beast! All ages welcome.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 Flag Day Parade Sat. June 10th

The 50th Annual Flag Day Parade, sponsored by the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161, is scheduled for noon on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The parade steps off from North Broadway and continues to Congress Park.

In addition, the 109th Unit of the Air Force will perform a fly-over in a C-130 during the parade.

This year’s parade is dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the New York State Police and features special appearances by the Polish-American String Band, a Mummer group from Philadelphia, PA, and the Schenectady Pipe Band. Generous contributions by the Saratoga Springs Police Benevolent Association and the Saratoga Casino Hotel have helped to make this year's event one of the biggest parades of all time.

The Grand Marshal is Major General (retired) Michael R. Van Patten, New York Army National Guard, a Saratoga resident.  Also leading the parade will be Honorary Grand Marshals consisting of Elk members from 50 years ago, who helped to start this tradition.

WEEKEND Kids List :: Saratoga

TGIF mamas! Here's the weekend round up full of family friendly fun!

FRIDAY

This Friday, June 2nd bring the kids to Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs for a special story time at 10:30am. Explore the world of classical music through some cherished picture books that are sure to spark the creative spirit! Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC President and CEO, joins us for a special reading and an invitation to SPAC’s FREE Story Time Concerts for children – a new concert series that will be presented to the public at SPAC on August 11th at 3pm and August 12th at 2pm. 

Learn more about SPAC’s FREE Story Time Concerts for children by clicking below:

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There's a FREE movie tonight - Moana! In Ballston Spa as part of their First Friday! Check out the photo below for more details.

SATURDAY

Learn to Swim Registration is today at Saratoga Spa State Park from 11am to 1pm. These swimming lessons fill up FAST so be sure to arrive at 11am. There is a waiting list if the lessons fill up. These lessons are for the annual Learn-to-Swim program from July 10th through July 21st, 2017 at the Peerless Pool for kids between the ages of 3 and 12. Cost is FREE. There is just ONE registration session: (at the Saratoga Spa State Park Administration Building) on Saturday, June 3rd: 11am- 1pm.

Bring with you to the registration:

• Medical information
• guardian'€™s name, address and phone number
• doctor'€™s name, address and number
• insurance info (name of company and ID number)
• allergies or special conditions
• Date of last tetanus shot
• List of medications being taken

Call them at 518.584.2000 x116 for more info.

SUNDAY

The Tenth Annual Cantina Kids Fun Run will take place on June 4th at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs! The event begins at 8:00 a.m. near the Carousel and races begin at 9:00 a.m. Race day registration is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in Congress Park near the Carousel, registration is $20.

Over the past decade, the annual Cantina Kids Fun Run has brought families together to support emergency medical services at Saratoga Hospital and increase awareness of the importance of pediatric emergency care. In 2015, the Fun Run expanded its mission to also provide support for pediatric patients at Saratoga Hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center.

Here are some additional details:

- Choose from two courses: 1/4 mile or 1 mile
- Run as a family, strollers are welcome
- Enjoy kids’ activities which include a challenge course, face painting and more
- Munch on healthy snacks from our sponsors

For more information:
http://saratogahospital.org/about-us/events/cantina-kids-fun-run/

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The Annual Wildlife Festival is today at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park (80 Scout Rd, Camp Saratoga, Gansevoort) from 11am to 3pm. Registration not required. Join in for a day of nature walks, live animals, crafts, and hands-on fun to celebrate the 2017 Wildlife Festival at Camp Saratoga! Ongoing starting at 11am: Nature Crafts: fish printing, beaded dragonflies, coffee filter butterflies, turtle necklaces, and more Pond Life Exploration Lupine Planting Climb up the Cornell Hill Fire Tower (children five and up can climb the tower with a parent or guardian) Karner Blue Butterfly Nature Walks hourly, starting at 11:15am Live Animal Programs - 45 minute programs at 11:45am, 12:45pm, and 1:45pm Earth Day Essay Contest Winners Ceremony at 12:30pm BBQ & Bake Sale - hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, bake sale, and cold drinks will be for sale at the Parade Ground BBQ pit Program is subject to change and will take place rain or shine.

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BUSK! A Free Event To Kick Off A Saratoga Springs Summer is today at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center (297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) from 12-6pm. The Orchard Project is proud to announce its first ever BUSK!, a free public event to kick off a Saratoga Springs summer, featuring artists from its famed residencies and beloved local acts. Taking place on Sunday June 4th, 2017 from Noon-6:00pm in and around the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, BUSK! is a spontaneous, outrageous, family-friendly event that aims to offer something to everyone from local bands and magicians to spectacular circus artists and stunt performers. From family-friendly performances to installations, the format allows for a diverse array of artistry under one banner. BUSK! will culminate in an evening cabaret at Putnam Den featuring artists who performed throughout the day, kicking off at 8:00pm.

Story Time with Guest Star SPAC President Elizabeth Sobol at Northshire Bookstore 6/2

This Friday, June 2nd bring the kids to Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs for a special story time at 10:30am...

Explore the world of classical music through some cherished picture books that are sure to spark the creative spirit! Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC President and CEO, joins us for a special reading and an invitation to SPAC’s FREE Story Time Concerts for children – a new concert series that will be presented to the public at SPAC on August 11th at 3pm and August 12th at 2pm. 

Learn more about SPAC’s FREE Story Time Concerts for children by clicking below:

Saratoga Area Memorial Day Guide 2017

SARATOGA AREA EVENTS

THURSDAY MAY 25th

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: 6:30-8pm. Come honor those who have given their lives for our country. The City of Saratoga Springs invites you to the 2017 Memorial Day Parade and Commemorative Ceremony. The event will commence at 6:30pm at the north end of Broadway. The parade includes our local veterans organizations, marching bands and service organizations. The route will proceed south through the center of Saratoga Springs on Broadway, and finish at Congress Park where a brief memorial ceremony will be held.

FRIDAY MAY 26th

The Stillwater Memorial Day Parade will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 starting at 6:15pm. The Fyfes & Drums of Olde Saratoga will perform during the parade.

SATURDAY MAY 27th

Ballston Spa Memorial Day Parade: 9am. Ballston Spa’s Memorial Day Parade takes place on Saturday, May 27.  Step off is at 9 am, parade proceeds down Milton Avenue to Front Street. Wreath ceremony at Kayaderosseras Creek, speakers and presentations at the War Memorial park on Low Street following the parade. Organizers are American Legion Post 234 and VFW Post 358.

MONDAY MAY 29th

Hattie's Annual Crawfish Festival 11am to 8pm. Get ready for Hattie's Annual Crawfish Festival on Monday, May 29th, 2017! This year, the festival will run from 11:00am-8:00pm. Fresh crawfish will be available by the pound, and the event will also feature fried chicken, gumbo, peel & eat shrimp, and draft beers.

Entertainment includes:

• The Garland Nelson Ensemble: 11:00am-4:00pm
• DJ Trumastr: 4:00pm-7:00pm

Hattie's is located at 45 Phila Street & the festival will be there and in the Alley! Call 518-584-4790 for details (no reservations).

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Saratoga Battlefield Honors Memorial Day 10am to 4pm. Free admission. Nearly 500 Americans were killed or wounded in the Battles of Saratoga, while some were from New York State, most were from New England, and most are still buried on the battlefield in unmarked graves. This special event focuses on the sacrifices made by Connecticut militia officers and soldiers who lost their lives at Saratoga in 1777.
 
Musket firing demonstrations will take place throughout the day, as well as other living history activities which showcase aspects of American soldier and follower life during the Revolutionary War. At 11:00am and 3:00pm, park staff and volunteers from the public will be invited to read the names of Connecticut men who died in the Battles of Saratoga, battles which marked the "most important battle fought in the world during the last 1,000 years." Saratoga National Historic Park is located at 648 Rt. 32 Stillwater.

Intro 2 on Biteable.

Saratoga Paint and Sip Announces Grand Re-Opening and Discounted Events to Celebrate Its Five Year Mark

Saratoga Paint and Sip, a local family-owned business, will kick off a Grand Re-Opening celebration to thank its customers, vendors, team members and community for the five years of tremendous business growth.  In addition to the celebration, Saratoga Paint and Sip is offering $25 seats through the month of June in the downtown Saratoga location.

Saratoga Paint and Sip was started in 2012 by Catherine Hover and her husband Mark.  The couple, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana did not know a soul when they moved to the area.  When thinking about the concept and seeing what other businesses were in the area, they knew they were on to something since nothing like that had existed until this studio opened.  They wanted that sense of community and they found that in Saratoga specifically on Henry Street.  They wanted a place that people could feel creative and have a little fun.  A place to go with friends, have a drink, and produce individual works of art with the help of the 24 aspiring artists and instructors.  The idea is to have an easy to follow piece of art for the inexperienced painter. 

“I can tell you it does not get old when I walk into someone’s house that has been at the studio and I see what they created in the homes,” said Catherine Hover.  “It’s something they are proud of, gives them a sense of accomplishment and that is what it is all about.  We are so proud of what we accomplished over the last five years and excited for where we are headed.  We could not be prouder to be a part of this community.”

What makes this company so special is the talents and enthusiasm of the staff coupled with Catherine’s inspiring vision which are the key elements to the success.  “When you have something good, competition, like it or not, is a part of business, said Catherine.  There have been several other businesses that tried to re-create what we have but I have the best support system and team by my side to make us stand out.  If I was ready to give up every time a new competitor popped up, we would not have made it this far.  Competition is a powerful fuel for motivation.”

Since opening the original studio and first of its kind to the area, Saratoga Paint and Sip have expanding to two more locations: Latham, NY and Burlington, VT.  The combined three studios have brought in over 150,000 patrons and is seen as go-to place for businesses to have team-builder workshops.  We insure that every location produces the same fun experience by which the company was founded. 

Join Saratoga Paint and Sip on Friday, June 2nd from 3:00pm-6:00pm as they celebrate 5 years.  Ribbon cutting celebration will commence at 3:30pm complete with a painted cake to share, a cupcake decorating station for the Pint Size Picassos in attendance and champagne to go around! Feel free to bring your artwork created at our studio to display!

Meet Your Sitter: This is Erin!

Our first ever Meet Your Sitter is Erin! Let's find a little more about her, shall we?

Erin currently lives in downtown Saratoga and graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2011, where she studied Art. Upon graduation she moved to Atlanta, GA and worked in advertising "...which was very fun, and very exciting but wasn't for me. I decided to move back to New York and begin grad school to become a teacher" Erin graduated with her Masters Degree in Elementary Education in December 2015 and has been working as an elementary school teacher since.

“My background in art definitely shows through in the classroom and in my personal life; I love all kinds of art and DIY projects! I grew up playing sports, and went on to play tennis in college. I am still very active; this past weekend I ran the Ragnar race with 11 teammates, across 200 miles from Boston to the tip of Cape Cod.I’m an upstate girl through and through... you can find me in the woods with my snowshoes in the winter, on the lake in the summer, and hiking any chance I get!
I’m the youngest of three, and both of my siblings are now married with kids. My nieces and nephew (1 right now, 1 more on the way!!!) are my absolute pride and joy and I spend as much time with them as possible.”

Erin is looking to find a a nanny/ babysitting job in Saratoga for the summer. Do you need a summer sitter? Fill out the form below to get more info and to reach out to Erin. ED NOTE: This WILL be limited to the first group of people who respond, so reach out asap before it gets closed!

Are you a sitter that wants to reach out to area parents? Email me at hello@minicitylife.com to set up a profile for free!

OMG YES I NEED A SITTER!!!

Llamas in the Library on Mother's Day

Llamas in the Llibrary? Yes!

Head to the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Sunday, May 14th from 2-3pm for an up-close and personal encounter with Live llamas from Katrina and Gary Capasso's Dakota Ridge Farm. Owners will introduce their llamas and share some llama facts. We will celebrate Mother's Day with a reading of "Is Your Mama a Llama?" children will have an opportunity to pet the llamas. No registration required. Free admission.

The Saratoga Springs Public Library is located at 49 Henry Street in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs: TOP 5 OF THE WEEK

MONDAY

Toddler Storytime is this morning at the Saratoga Springs Public Library (49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs) at 11am. Children ages 24-42 months and their parent or caregiver will be introduced to pre-literacy skills through stories, rhymes, and songs they can enjoy together. Register by calling the Children's Room at 518-584-7860, ext. 305.

TUESDAY

*GROWN UPS* Bookstore Happy Hour is tonight at Northshire Bookstore (424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) from 5-7pm. Admission is free. Join us for bookstore happy hour! Sample craft cocktails courtesy of High Rock Distillery, listen to classic album, David Bowie's Young Americans with the Rochmon Record Club, and complete Northshire’s bookstore trivia scavenger hunt challenge to earn a discount on your purchases and be entered to win Northshire gift cards.

WEDNESDAY

Come to the Mommy Meet Up today at Healthy Living Market and Cafe's Learning Center from 10-11am! Join Jenny from Mamatoga and this month's special guest, Erin Webster who will be there to talk about incorporating essential oils into your family's routine for health and relaxation, plus you'll get to sample the new blend Erin and Jenny are developing just for moms! This is a free event, drop in, no registration required, kid and baby friendly. We will have snacks + coloring for the kids + coffee and some goodie bags for moms. Healthy Living Market and Cafe is located at the Wilton Mall, Route 50 in Saratoga Springs.

THURSDAY

Mommy and Me Class Cooking Class - Tea Sandwiches and Fresh Lemonade is today from 11:30am to 1pm at Serendipity Arts Studio (26 Congress St. Congress Plaza, Saratoga Springs). Cost is $15. Enjoy an adult cooking class and bring your preschooler (about two and up, we're not picky) along for some art fun. Each class offers a new culinary adventure for moms/nannys/grandmoms while the children enjoy a creative project that builds basic art and social skills. Classes are set in a shared studio so children know mom is just a few steps away. Registration is required FOR EACH CHILD AND EACH ADULT PARTICIPATING. (Infants are not charged.) Sibling discount applies: enter SIB10% (children must be related and registered for the same class.) Register by clicking below:

FRIDAY

There is a FREE Kids Storytime today at 10:30am at Northshire Bookstore (Broadway in Saratoga Springs). No registration required, this is a drop in program.