EXCLUSIVE: FREE 🚎 new trolley to the lake
Plus: A town in mourning.
Yesterday was a devastating one, as news trickled in from the tragic barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track.
The numbers varied wildly throughout the day, but it simply didn’t matter — anything more than zero punched right in the gut.
No creature should have to go through that kind of terror. Today, we’re thinking of the 17 horses we lost, their two heartbroken trainers, the workers in mourning, and everyone affected.
We’re so sorry for your loss.
— Abby
Cherie DeVaux is collecting auction items to raise money for those affected by the fire, and her Facebook post — also on What’s Going on Saratoga — inspired a few hundred comments, including personal stories and an outpouring of emotion and support. Highly recommended reading … and maybe you have something to donate.
Shorter Dispatch today so I can get ready for tonight’s Dinner Club. I’ll make it up to you!
In lighter news …
Back in February, Druthers launched its events program with a Galentine’s Day bash at Lago, and I popped in to say hello.
After some snooping in the parking lot, of course…
Did I promise not to tell anyone about the trolley I found hidden under a tarp? Yes. Am I now thrilled to share the news with you?
LEGOOOO!
The brand-new Druthers trolley is scheduled to begin running the week of July 4 — yes, the beginning of this year’s stretched-out track season — and will make loops between Lago on the lake and the Broadway Druthers.
“There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the lake with a drink in hand,” says Alexa Cunniff, Druthers’ Marketing Director. “With the Druthers trolley, you can experience golden hour at Lago without the hassle of driving or parking. The only thing guests have to worry about is having a good time.”
Plans are for the trolley to run year round, although hours may change. For summer, they’re planning: 12 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
“We all know how challenging parking can be during peak season, so our trolley is designed to make getting to Druthers easier and more enjoyable,” Cunniff says. “We want everyone to have a fun, safe and stress-free summer with us.”
Druthers is looking for drivers for its trolley, promising a “flexible summer gig.” Must have a CDL. Email the team at info@druthersbrewing.com.
🏀 SPORTSBALL
Speaking of party buses
After a 53-year title drought, 165 of the Capital Region's most die-hard Knicks fans are making a fast break for NYC to enjoy the team’s first-ever championship parade. (That’s right — no ticker-tape back in 1973, when the champs instead were honored with a City Hall ceremony.)
Tomorrow morning, three sold-out motorcoaches will roll out of Yankee Trails HQ just before sunrise, packed with hyped-up fans running on coffee and half a century of pent-up passion for the New York Knickerbockers.
Loved the fun facts — and vintage pics — in this great piece in Business Insider.
📧 MAIL BAG
Why I do this
Thank you, Sean Kelleher, for the kind words on Substack yesterday. As we near our country’s big 🇺🇸 250th — and beyond — stay tuned. You’ll be hearing a whole lot more from my favorite local historian.
He writes:
“Every city has a storyteller who makes you feel like you’re right there—Saratoga has Abby Tegnelia. Her Substack, Saratoga Dispatch, is the kind of local journalism we need more of: sharp, curious, generous, and rooted in place. Whether she’s covering the arts, the food scene, or the pulse of festival season, her writing brings the Spa City to life. It’s been a joy watching her build something essential for this community.”
Dinner Club friends, see you at Bibulous in a few hours!
📌 ICYMI…
Pet adoption, love potion and fixing Sunday evening couch inertia.
Saratoga film 🎬 goes Hollywood
ISO psychics, tarot readers, crystal vendors, artists. 🗓️ Weekly events calendar June 11-17
The Spa 🏇 saved the best for last: 17 reasons I love Saratoga, Belmont edition