Lighting up the Arts District. Corgis, wrong races and more.
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The lights really tie the place together
Beekman Arts to get lights that help create the space.
By: Stephen Thurston
The Beekman Street Arts District expanded to four blocks when the Saratoga Springs Unified Development Ordinance was enacted in 2022, and now they are getting the lights to prove it.
The city has won a $10,000 Saratoga County Economic Development Grant in order to fund two streetlamps on Beekman Street between Grand Avenue and Washington Street, the block that was added in 2022. That block is generally a residential block but has two businesses currently there: The Textile Studio, a weaving company; and Saratoga Atelier, a hand-crafted clothing, artwork and home goods studio and store.
The light posts will likely not be erected until this fall.
“We asked the city if we could have some lampposts,” Cecilia Lockwood, owner of the Textile Studio told the Dispatch. She said the city “very nicely, generously,” found a grant to get it done.
The lights will be classic Sternberg lamps, which are new but look like the old gas lamps that once shone on Spa City’s streets.
“We just want to make sure we have nice lighting,” said Mayor John Safford in a quick interview after the Saratoga Springs City Council voted to approve the use of the grant last week. He reiterated the notion that the lights will help tie the new block to the old.
This is the second county grant the city received to support the art district's recent extension to Washington Street.
“With rising fixture costs, two grant requests were necessary to install decorative lights, banners and wayfinding for visitors to enjoy the cultural offerings on Beekman,” city documents say.
This Friday, Aug. 15, the arts district is holding their Friday Art Market, 5 to 8 p.m. Shops will be open, and live music will be playing.
Keep reading!
Local ‘cultural icon’ Arthur Gonick honored by Natalie Sillery, others
The corgi video that will make you sob (with joy)
And other weekend track tidbits that everyone’s talking about.
By: Abby Tegnelia
Name change
The Sword Dancer Stakes will be renamed the Christophe Clement Turf starting in 2026, NYRA announced Saturday.
The $750,000 run will now “honor the life and legacy” of the legendary trainer who won the Grade 1 turf race a record five times. Christophe passed away in May at the age of 57 after battling a rare eye cancer.
Christophe’s final graded stakes winner was also the reigning Sword Dancer victor, Far Bridge, who was racing again in the final running of the race under that name. Now trained by Christophe’s son, Miguel, the 6-5 favorite, alas, failed to defend his title.
Miguel is married to TV analyst/reporter Acacia Clement has taken over his late father’s training duties.
Telling time
Oops. It’s true — Race 12 Saturday went off at the wrong distance.
And everybody’s talking about it.
The race was supposed to be 1 1/8 miles, but the starting gate was placed for 1 1/16 miles. As you can imagine, NYRA immediately sprang into action. Starting the very next day, a verbal notification is now required between the head starter and stewards to confirm the gate’s location. For more on what’s planned and reactions from the esteemed stewards, read this report from yesterday’s BloodHorse.
The corgi video that will make you sob (with joy)
Corgis and their short-little legs are cute — especially this one.
Her name is Abbey, and she proudly ran strong on her way to internet fame during Sunday’s Corgi Cup, her wheels affecting her speed but gaining her a screaming fan base. Her mom? Leslie DiCarlo, who owns the Springwater Inn B&B on Union.
Needless to say, the inaugural race was a huge hit, boasting a full dog-owner Post Parade and nine races that went on throughout much Sunday afternoon. Sam, 6, took home the final prize.
But Abbey took home our hearts.
Click on and watch her most adorable video of all time below.
Keep Reading!
Memorial race honors beloved member of Saratoga track family
Saturday’s Whitney-winning jockey suspended but when will he serve it?
Whitney Day ‘25 brings in highest purse ever by wild amount
