Saratoga Gaming Celebrates 4th of July

29 June 2005

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has the biggest 4th of July Weekend celebration planned in the capital region. The four-day party includes music and dancing at the Free Summer Concert Series, performances by the critically acclaimed Big Apple Circus, an explosive fireworks display, patriotic American Flag pin giveaway, and presentation of the New York City Ballet Summer Homecoming Parade.

"We had a lot of fun last summer, so when planning ahead for this July 4th Weekend we wanted to have a number of different events scheduled for our patrons and community," said Jamie Hartman, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway General Manager. "Offering entertainment options for both families and adults supports our commitment in providing safe and exciting fun for everyone who visits Saratoga Gaming and Raceway."

The 4th of July weekend of fun officially begins on Wednesday, June 29 with the first performance of the Big Apple Circus. Critically acclaimed, Picturesque is the Big Apple Circus' 27th Season Production -- a joyful palette of movement, rhythm, color, light and sound influenced by the world's greatest artists. Now the Big Apple Circus brings their art to life, as acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, birds, horses and clowns come together in the ring in a feast for the senses. Performances are scheduled for June 29 at 6:30 p.m., June 30, July 1 and July 3 at 12:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., July 2 at 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m., and July 4 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $35 and can be purchased at the Big Apple Circus Box Office located on site at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway or through TicketMaster outlets.

Live music and dancing will keep guests moving all weekend long with the area's hottest bands playing in the Party Tent. The Free Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Miller Lite, will feature The Burners U.K. on Friday, July 1; The Big Smoothies on Saturday, July 2; and Big Medicine on Sunday, July 3. All performances are 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. with the doors opening at 8 p.m. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter the tent.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has a history of offering the best fireworks display in the capital region, and this year's show on July 3 will surpass that standard! Offering more than twenty-minutes of solid fireworks by Empire Fireworks, the 9 p.m. show will engulf the entire track infield for a true fireworks spectacular. Some favorites to look for are the popular smiley faces, multiple and colorful start patterns and new this year, brocade waterfalls of fire that turn the infield into a wall of shimmering gold and silver. To ensure the best seats for viewing the fireworks and parking, patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Many food vendors will be set-up trackside for patron convenience.

To honor Independence Day, the first 2,500 guests to enter the gaming facility on July 4 will receive a patriotic American Flag pin for free! Guests must be 18 years of age or older to enter the gaming facility and receive a flag pin. The gaming facility is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is a proud supporter and presenter of the New York City Ballet Summer Homecoming Parade on Monday, July 4 at 7 p.m. The parade, that begins at the Saratoga City Center and runs down Broadway to Congress Park, will kick-off the Company's 40th anniversary of summer residency at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and will feature Peter Martins, New York City Ballet Master in Chief, and various Principal dancers from the company riding in horse drawn carriages and trolleys. Following brief comments from Mr. Martins; Marcia White, SPAC President and Executive Director; William P. Dake, SPAC Chairman of the Board; Saratoga Springs Mayor Michael Lenz, and others, an evening of family fun is planned in Congress Park concluding with the annual Congress Park fireworks display.

The first gaming facility to open in New York State, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway boasts over 1,300 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, a full service restaurant with buffet, three full-service bars, a food court and deli, a gift shop, and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Patrons can participate in our player rewards program, Player Extras Club while visiting the property. The 55,000 square foot gaming floor cost $15 million to construct and employs an additional 300 local residents. Our full service restaurant, overlooking the excitement of live harness racing, seats 400 guests and can accommodate large group events. Video gaming and food and beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. Must be 18 years of age or older to play Video Gaming Machines. Please play responsibly. Simulcast races can be viewed Tuesday through Sunday. Live Harness races are held Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Post time for all races is 7:10 p.m. Must be 18 or older to wager on horses.