August Upcoming Events!

City of Mechanicville - Mechanicville's 1st Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Celebration
Saturday, August 22 - 9am-5pm
Sunday, August 23 - 10am-3pm
On the City Dock

Includes

• Native American Village
• Halfmoon Replica
• Native American Dancers

Saturday Activities

• Opening ceremony - 11am
• Spacial Dynamics presents Children's Archery Class - 10am-11am
• Book signing by loca authors Sandy McBride and Linda Sanders - 10am-1pm
• Mechanicville Historian Paul Loatman - 11:15am
• World Famous Storyteller Joseph Bruchac - 11:20am
• Native American Dancers - The Marion Family - 12pm & 2pm
• Mohican Mike Dickenson - Cultural Changes on the River - 1pm

Booths From

• The Keepers of the Circle - Zelda Hotaling teaching natural ways
• The Mechanicville Public Library
• The Stillwater Community Center
• Boy Scouts of America
• Sloop Clearwaer
• Knickerbocker Mansion

Also

• Games and Events for kids
• Food and Craft Vendors
• Antiques and Collectibles
• New York State Memorabilia
• Antique Equipment Show

For more information, call 518/374-5175 or visit www.mechanicville.com

Town & Village of Corinth - Quadricentennial "Day of Celebration"
Saturday, August 29th - 9am

The Town and Village of Corinth are Co-Coordinating a Quadricentennial “Day of Celebration “ of the 400th Anniversary of the NYS Waterways exploration by Henry Hudson and the subsequent naming and development along the Hudson River. We will be honoring the significance of the River in establishing the History of Corinth. We are hoping to bring that historical background as a reminder to our area residents, but also to our many area visitors! We hope to do this through storytellers, narrative wagon trips along the Riverside, Boat Tours, and various informative displays. There will also be various food venues, musical presentations and other Activities along the river area that flows through our Village and Town.

The Day will commence with a Breakfast at the Corinth Emergency Squad Building from 9 to 11 AM. River Boat Tours starting at 11 AM, Activities during the day include Music by John Kirk& Trish Miller, McGuire Dance Centre, Zucchini Brothers, Jessup’s Landing Music Makers Concert, Bob Marcotte the Wandering Fiddler, and Gateway Live.

There will also be Roger Fulton's 1750’s Presentation, Paper Industry Display, Jim Bruchac Story Teller, Indian Dancers, Barn Crafts, Balloonists, Wagon Rides, Adirondack Artists Art Walk, Many Food Booths including Hot Dogs by First United Methodist Church, Fried Dough, by Corinth Fire Department Ladies Aux., Free Popcorn and snow cones from Gateway Church, and a BBQ, by Bill Lynch.

The day will finish with a Flotilla down the Hudson to the Beach Area, where closing remarks and a salute to our military will be held.

Please bring your Lawn Chairs and have a fun filled day with Corinth. In the event of a hard rain storm all the musical and show type events will be at the Corinth High School Gym.

For more information, call 518/654-9232

Town of Northumberland - Hudson Crossing Park Festival
Saturday, August 29
Hudson Crossing Park, Lock 5

Join us on Saturday, August 29th at Champlain Canal Lock 5 Island for Hudson Crossing Fest 2009. There will be food and live music! For more information, please contact Hudson Crossing Park at 518/859-1492 or www.hudsoncrossingpark.org

Events: Weeks of 7/18-7/26

Lots of exciting events!

7/17 - 7/19: The last three days of The Saratoga County Fair. Come visit all the rides, shows and attractions and make sure to stop by the Explore! Saratoga County tent for information on County departments and displays focusing on 400 years of transportation history in Saratoga County! While you are walking around the fair, complete a special transportation scavenger hunt and win a special prize! Scavenger hunts are available in the Explore! Saratoga County tent.

7/17 & 7/24 - Town of Hadley: Music in the Park ~ 7pm, Stony Creek Road, Hadley, NY 12835 (Smead Memorial Park)

• 7/17 - Southern Comfort
• 7/24 - Ernie Williams

7/18 - Town of Day: Day in the Park ~ Begins at 4pm

7/18 - Town of Edinburg: 8th Annual HISTORIC EDINBURGH DAY ~ 10am - 4pm, The Nellie Tyrrell & Rural Museums

• Horse and wagon rides convey visitors from one museum to the other
• Skill demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, woodworking, wooden hay rake and pack basket making, fly tying, trapping, snowshoe making, chair caning, quilt making and blacksmithing inspire and inform
• Revolutionary War reenactments educate and entertain
• Historic displays show different aspects of life in our town and are changed yearly.
• For more information, please visit: www.edinburg-hist-soc.org
• Rain or Shine

Saratoga, Schuylerville & Victory: Historical Week

The Town of Saratoga and Villages of Schuylerville and Victory are planning an exciting “historical week” celebration starting August 1 and ending August 9 as part of the "Explore! Saratoga County" efforts commemorating the 400th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain's journey in the area now known as Lake Champlain‚ of Henry Hudson's exploration of the river that now bears his name and the 202nd anniversary of Robert Fulton's historic trip up that river by steamboat.

Historical Week is an over 100 year tradition which commemorates the rich history of the villages of Schuylerville, Victory and the town of Saratoga. "We plan a whole week of events to commemorate America's Most Historic Village," according to Schuylerville Village Historian Kristina Saddlemire. "We have a great partnership made up of the various levels of government including the Town of Saratoga, Villages of Schuylerville and Victory, Saratoga County, Hudson River Valley Greenway, Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, Saratoga National Historical Park and non-governmental partners including the Turning Point Parade, Old Saratoga Historical Association, Hudson Crossing Park, Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club, and the Schuylerville Public Library."

The schedule includes:

Quadricentennial Bike Tour of the Hudson
Saturday, August 1, (10 am)
As part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail, join us for a casually-paced 30-mile tour of the historic roads from the Village of Victory to Stillwater and back, with occasional stops at points of historical significance. There will be lots of fine views of the river. The terrain is mostly rolling with two steep hills (one up, one down). Park along Cemetery Avenue just south of the Saratoga Monument, near the intersection of Burgoyne Road. Bike Helmets Are Required! For information, contact 587-7801 or kathy@jjctech.com. Gather along Cemetery Avenue just south of the Saratoga Monument, near the intersection of Burgoyne Road, Victory Mills

TURNING POINT PARADE FESTIVAL – “Echoes on the Hudson”
Saturday, August 1, (Noon)
Kid's Rides, Food, Bonfire, and Block Dance on Saturday. Fort Hardy Park. For more information http://www.turningpointparade.com/

TURNING POINT PARADE – “Echoes on the Hudson”
Sunday, August 2 (1 – 2:30 pm)
Over 100 separate units including marching bands/musical units, fire and rescue, law enforcement, re-enactors and military units past and present. It is a parade with a "small town flavor". Broad Street. For more information http://www.turningpointparade.com/

TURNING POINT PARADE FESTIVAL – “Echoes on the Hudson”
Sunday, August 2, (3 pm)
Kid's Rides, Food, and Block Dance on Saturday. Music including the Open Bar Band and Fireworks (9:30pm) on Sunday. Fort Hardy Park. For more information http://www.turningpointparade.com/

GREAT CHAMPLAIN-HUDSON SOJOURN
Monday, August 3 (9am – 5pm)
The Great Champlain-Hudson Sojourn will be stopping at Fort Hardy Park as part of twenty-six day, 325 mile kayaking and camping trip from the Canadian border to Manhattan along beautiful Lakes Champlain and George, the Champlain Canal and the Hudson River. A group of Thru-Paddlers will be camping out at Fort Hardy and visiting heritage and cultural sites in the community. Please join us at 10am to welcome this group of paddlers to Fort Hardy Park. There will be a local kayaking outfitter providing free kayaking lessons, exhibitors, and plenty of activities for the kids! A community dinner, sponsored by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors will held at Fort Hardy at 6pm.

RESEARCHING YOUR SCHUYLERVILLE AREA ANCESTORS
Tuesday, August 4 (10 am)
Get help with research strategy for finding Schuylerville ancestors from Deputy Town Historian and Genealogist Patricia Peck. Schuylerville Public Library.

MAKING A CARDBOARD BOAT
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 (7 pm)
This is an opportunity to make a boat to compete in the Hudson Crossing cardboard boat race on Saturday, August 8. Bring cardboard and enjoy the creative process. Schuylerville Public Library, Ferry Street, Schuylerville

WALKING TOUR of VICTORY
Wednesday, August 5 (7 pm)
Join Sean Kelleher, Village of Victory Historian, for a walking tour of Victory. Meet at the Village Hall/Community Center

STORY HOUR - 400th anniversary themed
Thursday, August 6 (10 am)
Pre-school age children are welcome (with an adult) to attend the Schuylerville Public Library’s Story Hour for a story and activity with Town Historian, Sean Kelleher. Schuylerville Public Library. 23 Pine Street, Victory Mills

VILLAGE OF SCHUYLERVILLE WALKING TOUR
Friday, August 7 (7 pm)
Join Village of Schuylerville Historian, Kristina Saddlemire, for a walking tour of the North Broad Street Cemetery. Learn about former Schuylerville residents. Meet on Broad Street in front of the cemetery.

HUDSON CROSSING CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
Saturday, August 8 (starts at 8 am races at 1 pm)
Construct a "human-powered" boat made of corrugated cardboard (or 100% recyclable materials) or watch the races and enjoy the day on the Hudson River in Schuylerville. Registration and boat construction begin at the gazebo at 8:00 am. Racing begins at 1:00 pm. For more information contact (518) 859-1462 or www.hudsoncrossingpark.org Fort Hardy Park Beach.

SPIN TIL YOU DYE
Saturday, August 8 (11 am - 3 pm)
Rock Day Spinners demonstrate fiber spinning and natural dyeing over an open fire. Schuyler House, Route 4, Schuylerville.

18th CENTURY DAY
Sunday, August 10 (12 – 5 pm)
Step back in time at the historic Schuyler House! The grounds abound with 18th century activities, including puppet shows, music, oxen cart rides, basket weaving, chair caning, tinsmithing, and more. Schuyler House, Route 4, Schuylerville. For more information, call (518) 664-9821 ext. 224 or www.nps.gov/sara.

"We really excited to highlight the community on such an important Anniversary," explained Schuylerville Historian Kristina Saddlemire. "We have great partners and we really have put together and exciting programs of events."

"It is a great opportunity to join the celebrations planned across the State and County," said Town of Saratoga Historian Sean Kelleher. "Schuylerville is known as America's most historic village and Victory was named after the Turning Point of the American Revolution so it seems fitting that we continue the 100 plus year tradition of celebrating Historical Week."

Historical Week is sponsored by the Town of Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, Village of Victory, Schuylerville Public Library, Turning Point Parade Committee, Schuylerville Visitors Center, Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Saratoga Historical Association, Hudson Crossing - A Bi-County Educational Park, Hudson River Valley Greenway, Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club, Saratoga County, and the Saratoga National Historical Park. The purpose of Historical Week is to commemorate the important role that the Town of Saratoga and Villages of Schuylerville and Victory played in regional, national and international history. For more information call 695-4159 or visit http://www.villageofschuylerville.org/

Saratoga Springs: Solomon Northup Day

Solomon Northup Day – A Celebration of Freedom 10th Anniversary!

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Solomon Northup Day Celebration of Freedom, founded in 1999 by Renee Moore. The annual event commemorating this important piece of Saratoga history will take place from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 18th at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 297 Broadway.

This year’s program will feature Dr. Sheila Aird, Professor of African American Studies at Empire State College and Paul and Mary Stewart of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region. Local violinist, Peg (Foye) Schalit will play selected violin pieces in honor Mr. Solomon.

The story of Solomon Northup is a moral fiber in the historic fabric of Saratoga Springs. In 1841, while working at the United States Hotel, Mr. Northup, an educated, free Black citizen of Washington County, was lured away from downtown Saratoga and sold into slavery. Through twelve years of enslavement, Mr. Northup was able to triumph, against all odds, and was returned to his family with the assistance of attorney Henry B. Northup, grand nephew of the man who had freed Solomon’s father, Mintus Northup.

In honor of the tenth anniversary of Solomon Northup Day, the mural created in 1999 by local youth at Saratoga Mentoring is currently on display once again in the main room of the Visitor Center.

Solomon Northup Day is listed in the United States Library of Congress as part of its Local Legacies Project. In 2002, the third Saturday in July was permanently dedicated by the City of Saratoga Springs as “Solomon Northup Day” in commemoration of the fortitude, tenacity and triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity and hardship.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served thanks to the generous donations of local businesses.

For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at 518-587-3241.

Lots of Exciting 4th of July Events!

Saratoga County is full of 4th of July events! A detailed post will be coming soon, but please check the event calendar for more information!

Events for Week of June 1-7

There are a lot of exciting events happening throughout Saratoga County this week! Did you know that June 6th is National Trails Day? A perfect day and weekend to get out and enjoy Saratoga County's multitude of trails!

Explore! Saratoga County Event:

Tales from the Trails and Free-Fee Weekend
Saratoga National Historical Park
Rts 4 & 32, Stillwater, NY

Saturday, June 6th - Tales from the Trails
Bird and Wildflower Hike ~ 9:00am
History Hikes (with surprise twists!) ~ 11am & 2pm
Expert trail guides and park rangers, along with some special guests, will lead you on hikes of 2 miles or less throughout the park. Be sure to join us for this special exploration of one of the most important times in Saratoga County's history. Hikes are limited! For more information and to register, please call: 518/664-9821 ext. 224.

Saturday, June 6th & Sunday, June 7th - Explore! Saratoga County Free-Fee Weekend
All weekend, SNHP trails will be free to the public to explore on your own! A great opportunity to explore a Saratoga County treasure.
(Events sponsored by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and the Saratoga National Historical Park)

Municipality Events:

Town of Charlton - 41st Annual Charlton Founders' Weekend
June 6th - 7th

• Charlton Heritage 5K Run & Walk & Kids Fun Run (Saturday)
  
• Charlton Historical Society Museum Special Exhibit (Saturday & Sunday)
  
• Charlton Community Art Exhibit (Saturday & Sunday)
• Charlton's Party in the Park (Saturday, 4-9) - Including Climbing Wall, Sky Divers, Magician Evil Dan, Spakles the clown, Live Music by Annie & the Hedonists, Rural Felicity and other local musical acts, food and fireworks!
• 41st Annual Founder's Day Parade (Sunday, 2pm)
  

Town of Clifton Park - Trails Day Historic Bike Tour
June 7th, 1pm
Presented by Town Historian John Scherer. This 12-mile bike ride will last about three hours and will visit various historical sites in town. The bike ride starts at the Vischer Ferry Fire House on Riverview Road.

Town of Halfmoon - Ribbon Cutting & Trails Celebration
June 6th, 11am
Crescent Park, Halfmoon
Celebrate the opening of:

• The Crescent Trail on the Mohawk River
• Fishing access for the Physically Challenged on the Mohawk River
• Interpretive Kiosk Signange at Crescent Park

For more information, contact Nelson Ronsvalle at 518/371-7410 x2888

City of Mechanicville - Duck Day on the Dock
June 6th - All Day Event
Free activities for the kids and $1,000 for first prize in the duck race ($200 for last). Tickets to race your duck available at the Mechanicville Area Community Services Venter - $5. For more information, please contact the MACSC at 518/664-8322.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Explore! Saratoga County blog! We will use this blog to update the public about community events happening throughout 2009 - specifically those related to Explore! Saratoga County and the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial.

For more information about Explore! Saratoga County or the Quadricentennial, please use the following links. Thank you!

Explore! Saratoga County

Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial/Explore NY 400