Saratoga's 32nd Open House Set for July 15

Photo: NYRA

Saratoga's Open House offers a free sneak-peek into the popular summer meeting with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars, and non-wagering horse racing. The 32nd annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season by presenting four hurdle races and one turf race that will serve as qualifiers for the regular Saratoga meet. No pari-mutuel wagering is available on these races which get underway every 45 minutes beginning at 1 p.m.

“The Open House event not only welcomes people to the summer Saratoga season at the track,” said NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain, “but is also intended to generate much needed funds for worthy local charities. We are proud of our community partnerships and ability to serve as an engine to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits over the entire racing season, beginning with this signature event.” 

Designed to support community organizations, Saratoga’s Open House raises nearly $15,000 every year for local not-for-profit groups through the sale of deeply discounted food and beverages. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasty treats, including hamburgers, fried dough, sausage and peppers, and ice cream sandwiches. All proceeds benefit area charitable organizations such as the Knights of Columbus; Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York; Racing City Chorus; Saratoga Rowing; Saratoga Elks; Watervliet Civic Center; Brookside Museum; St. Clements School; Saratoga EOC; Jewish Community Center; and Saratoga Preservation Foundation.

The Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in need, will greet patrons at the gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods.

Additionally, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Saratoga Race Course during the Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through its Traveling Donor Center. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free carton of ice cream or sherbet, redeemable at any participating Friendly’s restaurant.

New this year to the entertainment lineup is The Puppet People, offering a fun festival of frolics called Puppet Potpourri, which is a puppet variety show that showcases trick marionettes, mouth puppets, rod puppets and a show full of laughs for all ages. They will provide three performances, taking place at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Also new this year, locally-known equine artist and art instructor Mary Francis Millet will be on hand with tips and a water color demonstration for fans participating in the second annual Travers-themed poster contest. Millet will join the staff at the Tiny Tots Tea Room booth to work with kids on their creations. All materials will be provided.  The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle as part of a named race during the summer meet. Second and third place contestants will also receive prizes, including birthday parties and play passes to the Tiny Tots Tea Room.

Another highlight of the day for horse lovers is the Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team. The team, which has participated in various distinguished events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will demonstrate its moves and skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate pinwheels, circles, and V formations. The team will perform on the main track at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Open House will include the ninth-annual mascot race, which pits famed mascots from local sports teams and well-known brands against one another in a one-of-a-kind race down the main track. Post time is noon.

The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will make a stop at the Open House with its educational and explorative Leaping Lizards and Rocking Reptiles exhibit. Kids and families will have a chance to meet these fascinating cold-blooded creatures, while learning about their behaviors, habitats and lifestyles. These captivating demonstrations can be enjoyed under the Carousel at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The backyard will play host to a variety of activities including pony rides, inflatables, face painting, caricatures and a petting zoo.

Open House will also feature live music from the strolling swing band Captain Squeeze & the Zydeco Moshers.

Patrons can get a glimpse into the inner workings of the track with free backstretch tours every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse entrance.

For a small fee, visitors can have their day at the races commemorated with a special photo laminated on a 3”x 4” photo magnet. All proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The following organizations will have information and activity booths displayed at Open House: Saratoga Hospital Guild; Saratoga EOC; The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center; Center for Donation and Transplant; HOPE (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist); Junior League of Schenectady & Saratoga Counties; Yaddo Garden Association; and St. Mary's School.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a 2012 Saratoga season pass at the Grandstand Customer Service Center during Open House. The passes, $75 for clubhouse admission and $35 for grandstand, are good for the entire 40-day Saratoga meet, including Travers Day on Saturday, August 25. Season passes will be available at the Saratoga Reserved Seating Office starting Wednesday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are also available by mail.