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Events
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December 30 - March 31, 2012 Saratoga and North Creek Railroad SARATOGA SPRINGS — Reviving a winter experience that dates back to the 1930s, Saratoga & North Creek Railway will soon be taking people into the heart of the Adirondacks aboard the Snow Train.
The train will carry its passengers to a variety of outdoor sports destinations, from the slopes of Gore Mountain to Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails.
The rail company — a subsidiary of Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings Co. — reopened the 60-mile line from Saratoga Springs to North Creek in July.
Since then, the railway has hosted more than 60,000 riders.
In addition to regular scenic excursions, the company has offered special children-oriented attractions such as Thomas the Tank engine and the Christmas-themed Polar Express.
Now, officials are hopeful such momentum will propel the Snow Train as well.
"It’s pretty amazing how people have gotten on board with this," said Jody Moore, manager of train operations. "It’s a beautiful run along the Hudson River on a rainy day. I can’t imagine that it’s going to be anything less than spectacular when it’s all snowy and crisp and cold. We’d like people to take the train up — skip the traffic, snowy roads and hassles — enjoy breakfast on the train, spend the day in North Creek and have dinner and a cocktail on the way back down to Saratoga."
Service is scheduled to begin Friday and run through the end of March. Trips will be made each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in addition to two Mondays — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
(Jan. 16) and Presidents Day (Feb. 20).
Railway officials expect that 40 percent of passengers will be non-skiers, people just looking for a fun wintertime outing in the Adirondacks. That’s why the rail company has been careful to bill the ride as an all-encompassing Snow Train rather than a ski train.
"It really puts the onus on us and the community to give people something to do besides go skiing," Moore said.
Live musical entertainment will be provided each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek. The historic North Creek depot is only a block from Main Street, so people can browse quaint shops, enjoy lunch or relax with a massage at one of two local spas.
For kids, the old North Creek Ski Bowl has a tubing center and ice skating.
Local outfitters are anticipating a boost, too, once the snow begins to fall.
"We have 15 kilometers of cross-country ski trails," said Pat Cunningham, owner of Cunningham’s Ski Barn. "We’re only one mile from the station."
Shuttle buses will take visitors to various points throughout North Creek, including Gore Mountain, leaving the station at half-hour intervals.
The first Delaware & Hudson ski train reached North Creek on March 4, 1934, with 378 passengers headed to the old North Creek Ski Bowl, precursor of Gore Mountain. The 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid inspired local residents to build trails of their own at Gore. The small center featured the first tows in New York state that worked with a revolving drum powered by a Ford V-8 engine.
Back then, local buses and trucks carried people to the trails and North Creek homes were used for boarding houses.
"There’s always been a spirit of community here," Moore said. "We’re trying to resurrect that spirit, as well as the train itself."
-Saratogian 12/28/2011
Specials: The Adirondack Snow Train www: www.sncrr.com
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Weather Report Weather Local and regional weather.
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Winter Sports Cold Weather Sports Cold-weather sports enthusiasts are preparing to hit the slopes and the ice. Cross country skiers can bundle up and visit Saratoga Spa State Park for more than 30 kilometers of both traditional tracks and skating lanes.
''A lot of trails are appropriate for beginners and families with kids,'' according to Harold Hagemann, projects director at the park. ''There are more challenging trails through Geyser Park (the picnic area).''
There are no ski rentals on site, he added, but the park encourages people to go to the local ski shops to rent equipment.
As for the condition and use of the trails, that's weather dependent.
''On a weekend day after a good snow when it's warm and sunny, there can be literally hundreds of people on the paths,'' Hagemann said.
Saratoga National Historical Park -- the battlefield -- is also a popular cross country skiing area.
''It's beautiful here in the winter,'' according to Ranger Richard Beressord. ''People can ski anywhere in the park, but a lot use the Wilkinson Trail, which is five miles long.''
Another way to hit the trails is in snowshoes.
''They (snowshoes) are very hot right now,'' according to Jack Hay, who owns Alpine Sport Shop with his wife, Cathy. ''They're good for anyone who just wants to be outdoors in the winter, a good alternative to just sitting in front of the fire.'' Snow boards are also a large part of the winter sports market.
''We still do a lot more skis than snow boards,'' he said. ''Skis offer a little more of a range to people with different levels of skills, abilities, and age.''
Snow on the ground, Hay added, is a big plus, especially before Christmas.
''It's like an extra advertising push.''
Downhill skiers can hop on the Northway for the short trip to West Mountain near Glens Falls. There is also a separate tubing park at West Mountain.
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February 4 - 5, 2012 Winterfest 2012... A community celebration with indoor and outdoor events across Saratoga Springs. Entertainment, crafts, candlelight ski, 5k snowshoe race/walk/ wine tasting and 14th annual chowderfest.
Saratoga Springs Chowderfest set for Feb. 4th.
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February 14, 2012 Valentine's Day Happy Valentine's Day from the Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast.
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February 17 - 19, 2012 Dance Flurry The 25th annual DANCE FLURRY FESTIVAL features ethnic and cultural music and dancing of every type. This event presents a high quality, eclectic, feel-good festival of traditional social dance. There will be concerts, singing, drumming, puppet shows storytelling and dance music workshops. Open to the public. Events are scheduled throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. The Six Sisters is a Flurry sponsor and located within a 10 - 15 minute walk from downtown.
Specials: A Festival of Traditional Dancing and Music Contact: Sue Mead Phone: 518-384-3275 e-mail: info@flurryfestival.org www: http://www.danceflurry.org/festival/index.html
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February 22 - 25, 2012 Saratoga Beer Week Thousands of beer enthusiasts are expected in the Spa City during the first Saratoga Beer Week, being held Feb. 23 to 25 in downtown Saratoga Springs. There will be more than two dozen events including tastings and classes. Tickets rang from $10 for the kickoff event to $95 for a grand food and beer tasting; an all-festival passport is $129.
www: http:/www.saratogabeerweek.com
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Daylight Savings Time Change - March 11th Dayligh Savings Time Begins Turn clock ahead one hour.
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May 1 - 6, 2012 Saratoga Springs Horse Show/St. Clement's - Week 1 This is the first outdoor show of the “A” circuit in the Northeast. The 2012 show will mark the 53rd year of the St. Clement’s Saratoga Horse Show, which is one of the largest all volunteer horse shows in the country. The St. Clement's Horse Show will begin May 3rd. This event, which is held down the street from the Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast, is held over a two week period. May 1-6 and May 8-13. The show features: Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation classes running in three rings. The event is organized by Capital Fund of Saratoga County Inc.
Specials: The first week of jumping competition. Contact: Tom Fueston www: http://www.saintclementshorseshow.com
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May 8 - 13, 2012 Saratoga Springs Horse Show/St. Clement's - Week 2 This is the second week of the St. Clement's Horse Show. This is the first outdoor show of the “A” circuit in the Northeast. The 2012 show will mark the 53rd year of the St. Clement’s Saratoga Horse Show, which is one of the largest all volunteer horse shows in the country. The St. Clement's Horse Show will begin May 3rd. This event, which is held down the street from the Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast, is held over a two week period. May 1-6 and May 8-13. The show features: Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation classes running in three rings. The event is organized by Capital Fund of Saratoga County Inc.
Contact: Tom Fueston www: http://www.saintclementshorseshow.com
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May 19, 2012 Skidmore College Commencement The 2012 graduation ceremonies for Skidmore College at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We are a 5 minute drive to the campus and to SPAC. We are accepting reservations for the graduation weekend. Phone: 518- 580-5000 www: http://www.skidmore.edu
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June 4 - 10, 2012 Americade 2012 One of the largst gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts, 50,000 plus. The 30th annual Americade convention in Lake George, is held 25 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. The Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast has a covered carport and convenient parking for bike trailers. Contact: William Dutcher Phone: 518-798-7888 e-mail: info@americade.com www: http://www.americade.com
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June 30 - July 1, 2012 Freihofer's Jazz Festival The 35th Anniversary of the Saratoga Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast is located just 5 minutes from the Arts Center.
Specials: 35th Anniversary Contact: SPAC Box Office Phone: 518-587-3330 e-mail: info@spac.org www: http://www.spac.org
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Continuous through July 21st New York City Ballet From July 10h - July 21st, the NYC Ballet (resident company) takes center stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, five minutes from the Six Sisters Bed and Breakfast. The Six Sisters B&B can also help you obtain special ticket prices. Look at SPAC for additional information. Specials: NYC Ballet Celebrating it's 45th Season at SPAC Contact: SPAC Box Office Phone: 518-587-3330 e-mail: info@spac.org www: http://www.spac.org
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July 14, 2012 Ballet Gala The annual special performance by the NYC Ballet to benefit the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Specials: SPAC is the Summer Home of the NYC Ballet Phone: 518-587-3330 e-mail: info@spac.org www: http://www.spac.org
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July 15, 2012 32nd Annual Saratoga Race Course Open House With Opening Day July 20th, visit the oldest thoroughbred track in the country. Take a preview look at the Saratoga Race Course, with food, entertainment, backstretch tours, handicapping seminars and exhibits as the track prepares for for the 2012 season. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. No admission charge. www: http//:www.nyra.com
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