I told you so. And how to escape reality (for an hour).
PLUS: Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree leaves East Greenbush, and other briefs.
Today’s Dispatch is brought to you by…
Opera Saratoga presents La boheme, a concert version of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece. Featuring local and national talent, this first-ever holiday production brings together the magic of Juilliard, The Metropolitan Opera, Skidmore Chorus and Excelsior Vocal Ensemble.
🎭 UPH | Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: atuph.org
You didn’t believe me, did you?
I was told I was stretching the truth on a recent article — but here we are.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — After the wild-looking horse painting hanging just inside Standard Fare sold — and then its replacement sold, all since the Phila Street restaurant’s Aug. 15 opening — I declared the artworks of the “Thad’s picks” series “Downtown’s newest status symbol.”
And was told that maybe I was stretching the truth just a bit.
But that third painting? Even after an $800 price hike to $2000, it sold just nine days later.
MORE ON DANIEL: Hostess stand’s ‘weird’ horse art fast becoming Downtown’s newest status symbol
Now the artist, Daniel Fairley, is busy painting a replacement. (He’s not ready for me to announce the theme, but he said, “I’m probably going to stretch first before starting.”)
The third piece that was scooped up in a week, Paint Me Like One of Thad’s Picks, shows the last-place racehorse “tastefully modeling,” and Fairley isn’t surprised it went fast.
“It was everyone’s favorite the moment it arrived,” he says. “It was one of my favorites as well. Saratoga Springs was definitely lacking sensual horse art and I was happy to fill that niche this time.”
If you haven’t had a chance to see the painting for yourself — or grab a selfie with it for the ‘gram — Fairley’s busy painting No. 4, so you’ve got a week or two to get to Standard Fare.
MORE ON DANIEL: Artist’s unique take on horse art lands first major Saratoga sale
A smaller version of the same piece will also be on hand at the Saratoga Arts Annual Members Exhibition, being held this year at the Spring Street Gallery Nov. 21-Jan. 2.
Prints of most of Fairley’s pieces are available at poemdexter.com. Fairley adds, “If you’re interested in seeing other weird stuff I paint, find me on Instagram: @poemdexter.”
IN BRIEF
Bonacio’s Church St. apartments expected to welcome tenants next month
Buyers of Bonacio Development’s 78 Church St. condos — units ranged from $1.2 million to almost $2 million — are expected to be able to move in next month, according to Albany Business Review. Almost half of the units are under contract, says the outlet.
‘TIS THE SEASON
East Greenbush tree making its trek to Rockefeller Center
This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas hails from East Greenbush — and is on its way to NYC. The 75-foot Norway spruce “carrying 94 years of holiday magic” will arrive at the iconic midtown holiday display at 7 a.m. on Nov. 8 — celebrations include a morning Holiday Workshop with FAO Schwarz (and Snoopy) and a visit from Santa (I would hope so), and a Top of the Rock Holiday Celebration Workshop that kicks off at noon.
IN PICTURES
Veterans Business Council
The Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Breakfast honoring veterans on Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. More information about the VBC and its mission: saratoga.org.
Love Our Locals
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its Love Our Locals $20.25 campaign with a mixer on Oct. 30 at Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park. More information about the initiative to support local businesses: saratoga.org.
A new form of escapism unlocks Saturday — do you dare?
Escape reality (for one hour) with the new game (get it?) in town.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — A new type of entertainment venue is being unlocked soon, with the much-anticipated debut of Saratoga Escape Rooms.
The downtown business, tucked away on Gardner Lane, will officially start taking bookings Saturday and open its doors Nov. 14, offering guests a one-of-a-kind, immersive puzzle-solving experience for adventurers of all ages.
“Escape rooms offer something totally unique and appeal to all ages for different reasons,” says Tess Goodge, who owns the business with her husband, Brian. “We wanted to create something that would offer both locals and visitors a chance to connect, laugh and make memories—right here in the heart of Saratoga.”
Saratoga Escape Rooms invites guests to step into fully themed worlds where teamwork, logic and creativity are the keys to success. Designed for groups of two to eight players, the rooms feature automated props, interactive storylines and elaborate set design to create a truly memorable experience.
Current themed adventures include:
Saratoga School of Magic — Solve magical puzzles and decode secret spells in an enchanting room
Echoes of the Lost Jungle — Navigate an uncharted jungle-themed room, with colorful hand-painted props and immersive riddles
Whispers Beneath Broadway — Coming Summer 2026 – This room will take you back to the Gilded Age of Saratoga on the evening of the United States Stakes Race, August 12th, 1890. This historical fiction whodunnit will take you beneath the glamor of the city and delve into multiple characters and their secrets. Can your team see through Saratoga’s sparkling facade?
The business — great for birthday parties, small team-building events and weekend outings — is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, and by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The booking calendar will open on Nov. 8 and be available at saratogaescaperooms.com.
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Beloved Saratoga horse racing fan lands photo in Racing museum
This is great news!
I'm sorry, but those keys from that angle look scary to me.... not keen on chains. Different strokes......