New look, who dis?
Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.
FROM THE EDITOR
Hey, Dispatchers!
A huge welcome to the new Saratoga Dispatch — especially the 150+ of you who are brand-new this very week. You’re just in time for Saratoga Summer … and my redesign.
If you've been with me for awhile and are wondering why everything looks a little different: We've packed up and moved into a shiny new home. Fresh design, a dedicated spot for our Dispatch Dinner Club — and a lot more room to grow.
Same local stories, same good-vibes-only love for this city — just dressed up a bit for the season.
Now for the pretty please “be kind” part … Moving almost 6,000 of you (and a year’s worth of stories) to a brand-new platform took everything I had. I'm asking for a little grace while I smooth out the wrinkles. It's just me back here!
Spot something broken, or just have some thoughts? Hit reply. I read every single one. (Sadly, I already know the links in older stories don’t work and one of my fave stories of all time has vanished. Growing pains!)
Thank you for being here, for reading, and helping to make Saratoga awesome.
— Abby
In this issue:
If, like me, you’re “practically a detective,” you’re in for treat.
Hurry! Tickets to this Kendrick Carmouche party will sell out fast.
Saying goodbye to this fading childhood ritual.
💃 TALES FROM DOWNTOWN
Darley Newman on the Congress Park Carousel, which just shifted to its daily summer operations (morning to dusk, weather permitting).
Darley Newman — you know her from the PBS hit Revolutionary Road Trip — chose UPH for her book launch last night after her Saratoga episode became popular the world over. I ran in late and missed seeing William Teator and Sean Kelleher and meeting Darley. Digging into her new book will have to do (for now!).
Meanwhile, Chad Brown was discreetly tucked into the corner of the bar at Familiar Creature (“never heard of ya,” joked one guy who recognized him anyway). He beckoned a few people to come out to the track; as of publication time, NYRA had not (yet?) announced any heat wave cancellations for this weekend’s early Opening Weekend.
The City Council sped through its meeting yesterday, which clocked in at nine minutes and 33 seconds.
OH THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS
Free music with a side of arts, culture and family-friendly shenanigans is how Skidmore’s Tang Museum is rolling this summer.
“Upbeat on the Roof is a beloved Saratoga summer tradition,” says Tom Yoshikami, the museum’s Assistant Director for Engagement, calling the series “a reminder that the museum is a place where everyone belongs.”
The free concerts on the Tang’s lawn (815 N. Broadway in Saratoga Springs) — including everything from pop-punk bands to Americana and R&B — kick off on Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m, and continue every Thursday through August 20.
Bring your kids. Crafts on the Grass starts at 5:30 p.m. Camping chairs, drinks and food are welcome.
📌 ICYMI…
STIRRING UP A PARTY
It was announced this week that fan fave Kendrick Carmouche will miss part of Opening Weekend, but if you hurry — tickets always sell out fast — you can party with him soon anyways.
"Gumbo with Kendrick" puts the star jockey (he’s earned $175 million or so) back in the kitchen for the sixth time.
The Louisiana native will serve up gumbo on Monday, July 27 to raise money for Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
To score your ticket (5-10 p.m. July 27 at the Principessa Elena Society), visit trfinc.org.
Roux-mance: Jockey Kendrick Carmouche and his wife, Whitney, flexing their cooking skills.
FINAL DOWN
No more mitey mites? Saratoga Springs Pop Warner announced yesterday that it won’t have a football season this year due to “extremely low athlete enrollment.” (It is moving forward with cheer.) Judging by the popularity of the Saratoga NFL Flag Football league, parents seem to be choosing the unisex, no-tackle flag football instead.
Practically a detective
A CONVERSATION WITH SHELLEY PETTIT
I’ve traveled as far away as Seattle to “work on” (ha) cases, but on August 15 a Case File Hunt is coming to us.
Abby: Murder mystery dinners and crime-solving games are all the rage right now. But you’ve got something even bigger planned.
Shelley Pettit: During my August 15 “Haunted in New York” event, I’m providing a Case File Hunt game. Guests will follow clues, gather evidence, and solve paranormal-themed mysteries as they explore the event’s Marketplace. Many tables become part of the story, turning the whole event into a hands-on adventure.
Abby: Tell me about all of the other goodies.
Shelley: I am providing a free mystical psychic reading card gift for the first 300 attendees, and everyone who attends gets one free raffle ticket for some absolutely amazing prizes. Those who take part in our interactive games are automatically entered for a chance to win our featured grand prize — when they turn in their clue cards, they will receive a surprise thank you gift, too.
Abby: Is this an all-ages party?
Shelley: Yes! Children will get a free coloring sheet with family-friendly spooky pictures. Guests under 15 are free.
Abby: New York has really become an epicenter for “paranormal culture.”
Shelley: We’ll have amazing representations of the local paranormal, metaphysical, mystical, alternative healing, fantasy and folklore communities. Every guest will walk away with a fun experience, new discoveries and the thrill of being part of the adventure.
Abby: Are you still looking for vendors?
Shelley: We do have a few spots left. We’re looking for a tattoo artist, someone who creates intention oils, and a few more metaphysical/mystical/witchy types, or some authors with knowledge of UFOs. We are also still looking for food products — spices, herbs or plants; teas and coffees; prepackaged items.
👉 Interested? Email Shelley at: [email protected] or call 518.775.7782.
🎟️ To grab your $10 ticket for Haunted in New York (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 15), visit go.allevents.in. Purchase before July 31 to get $2 off.
This collab with the Case File Hunt game is brought to you in partnership with Evolve Today events:
First time here? Join the party! This is where you join the almost 6,000 of your neighbors who never miss a thing.