King’s Tavern owner takes his shot at the Whitney (tomorrow!)
PLUS: Police ask public for help. Mayor highlights campaign themes.
Welcome to the Daily Dispatch, COB email from the editors of Saratoga Dispatch.
Today’s headlines:
The police are seeking help in the death of a man found near the Market32 on Ballston Avenue. Mayor John Safford hits the campaign trail. A potential local dispensary raises a very specific question. And we learn what a “visual merchandiser” does.
Scroll down to find these stories and more.
But first, the afternoon’s top story…
King’s Tavern owner takes his shot at the Whitney
By Abby Tegnelia
When he’s not running the business of post-track brews, King’s Tavern co-owner Adam Fitch lets his creative side out for a stretch, hitting the track to take photos for his Spa City Photography.
He’ll be there for the 2025 Whitney Stakes, Fuji camera in hand, to watch favorite Fierceness race to the finish line against fellow superstars White Albarrio, Mindframe and Sierra Leone.
“I like getting all four hooves off the ground,” Fitch says of shooting the races. “That's always exciting. But I also like getting the jockeys coming from the jocks’ room, and then taking some pictures of the paddock. I have a golf cart, so I can zip to the backstretch to get the horses walking down the path. With all of that, I can tell the story of the jockeys and the horses and the back stretch — and then get them out of the gate.”
Fitch’s camera was a Christmas gift from his wife, Jen, in 2022, and on January 7, 2023, Spa City Photography published its first Instagram post. The bar owner — he also co-owns, with his brothers, Saratoga City Tavern on Caroline Street — is in a partnership with Bond Racing, which earned him his ownership license with its coveted paddock and backstretch access.
“There are so many angles to shoot throughout the day at the track,” he says. “It’s hard for me to get to the backstretch early in the morning — my daughter’s 5 — but I always try because it’s so much fun.”
Combining his passions for horse racing and photography have paid off. Not only are his prints for sale at his own post-track hotspot, King’s, but you can also find them at Crafters Gallery, Saratoga Day Spa and The Counter at 5 Points.
“I also donate them for charity events around town,” he says. “Seeing my photography hanging at Saratoga Day Spa or Crafters Gallery is pretty cool.”
Photography also proved to be a great way to spend some time with his family. In addition to bringing his daughter, Isla, to the track with him, he’s been able to bond with Dad as well. “My father has a Fuji, so I picked his brain,” Fitch says. “Then I kind of taught myself and talked to other photographers, too.”
He also brings his daughter on weekly trips to Mill Creek Farm, to see a baby filly he part-owns with Horse Haven Racing, Mo Maeve Never.
“You meet so many people in the backstretch and the paddock, and your network of people to help you — and who you help, too — just keeps growing,” he says. “Photography's fun. It makes me happy, and it's very peaceful and relaxing.”
Mayor hits major themes at rally
Speaking to supporters, he offered broad outlines for his re-election bid.
By Steve Thurston
At a political rally last week, Mayor John Safford told supporters in the basement bar of Whitman’s Brewing Company that his re-election campaign is running on three facets: Civility, safety and the economy. It is a theme he has mentioned in other situations.
“We're going to continue to rise above the partisan and just the bickering that's happened in this city over the last couple of years,” he told the crowd of about 30 people.
He said that he fully supports the work of Tim Coll, the commissioner of public safety.
“I am here to support whatever he does, to support our law enforcement officers,” he said.
“We want to make sure that our economy stays strong, so that our local businesses remain supported, and that new businesses are attracted to our city.”
He cited specifically the need for more affordable housing, and then specified “workforce housing.”
“Workforce housing” is not an official housing designation recognized by the federal department of Housing and Urban Development. “Section 8” housing for the poorest people in an area is a better example of that.
However, in general workforce housing looks to provide housing for police officers, teachers and people in similar professions who just do not have enough money to buy a house in a hot sales market like that of Saratoga Springs.
His brief three minute speech included a shout-out to the rest of the endorsed Republicans.
“The kind of slate that we're bringing is not based on party, it's based on people,” the mayor said. “And this is probably best slate of candidates we have ever had this city, across the board.”
The Saratoga Springs GOP has endorsed Mayor John Safford in his re-election bid, Tim Coll in his re-election for commissioner of public safety, Jess Troisi for commissioner of accounts; George Ehinger for supervisor, and JoAnne Kiernan commissioner of finance; and Charles “Chuck” Marshall for commissioner of public works.
Police investigate Ballston Ave. death
SSPD looking to the public for help.
From the Saratoga Springs Police Department: On July 30, at about 6:40am, the Police Department was contacted by an individual who had discovered the body of a deceased male in a wooded area behind the Market 32 plaza on Ballston Avenue.
The male has been identified as Michael Friday, age 45, of Gansevoort, NY.
An autopsy was conducted on July 31 to determine the cause and manner of death, which is pending official ruling by the Coroner's Office.
No foul play is suspected at this time.
Anyone who is aware of Michael Friday's activity or whereabouts over the past week is encouraged to contact Investigator Stacy Rigano at srigano@saratogapolice.org or (518)584-1800.
