TGIF. Class of '05 plans milestone reunion. Sunflowers and brews.
PLUS: Elections news from the candidates and news briefs from around town.
Welcome to the Daily Dispatch, the future of Spa City news straight to your inbox.
In this edition:
Top: Sunflowers, photos, family time and good brews.
Mid: News briefs and elections updates
Bottom: Saratoga Springs Class of 2005 searches for classmates ahead of its 20-year reunion. (Bonus: are you pictured?)
Sunflower Festival returns to Dancing Grain Farm Brewery
Acres of sunflowers with farm-brewed beer, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun
This exciting Positively Saratoga news is brought to you by our friends at Discover Saratoga.
The fields at Dancing Grain Farm Brewery are bursting into bloom as the brewery hosts its annual Sunflower Festival every weekend in September. This late-summer tradition pairs acres of sunflowers with farm-brewed beer, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun—one of the season’s most anticipated events in Saratoga County.
Festival Highlights
Wander through breathtaking sunflower fields, sip Dancing Grain’s signature brews, and browse a marketplace of local artisans and vendors. Families will find plenty for kids to do, while friends and couples can capture unforgettable photos among the blooms.
“This festival is more than just a day in the flowers—it’s about bringing people together,” said brewery founder Rachel McDermott. “We love seeing families, friends, and visitors from across the region come out to celebrate the beauty of the farm and the flavors of our beer.”
Event Schedule for the Remaining Days
Sept. 21: Sunflower Mini Sessions with YTK Photography (golden-hour shoots; perfect for families, couples, grads).
Sundays, Sept. 21 & 28, 12–6 p.m.: Sunflower-Themed Farm & Makers Market (handmade goods, local produce, art, and more).
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m.: Beer & Charcuterie Tasting with Adirondack Charcuterie and Dancing Grain (five beer pairings, artisan bites, sunflower-inspired treats).
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., and Sundays, 11:00 a.m., all September: Sunflower Yoga with Yoga Mandali (flow among the blooms; post-class drink in the taproom).
Supporting Local Agriculture
Proceeds support the brewery’s commitment to sustainable farming and craft brewing. As a woman-owned farm brewery, Dancing Grain grows much of its own grain onsite—making the Sunflower Festival a true celebration of agriculture and artistry in brewing.
For tickets, booking links, and updates, visit dancinggrain.com.
News briefs
Next free fishing day announced
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation named Sept. 27 the next Free Fishing Day in New York State. “The September 27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling opportunities our state provides,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton in a statement. This annual Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972.
Actionable ideas for ROI-improving disability inclusivity
Inclusive Saratoga is hosting a first-of-its-kind webinar to help business leaders understand how inclusivity can help their customers, employees and even their bottom line. “We’ll be focused on how businesses can see a return on investment by being inclusive of individuals with disabilities,” says the nonprofit’s founder and executive director, Meghan Connolly, who points out that since about a quarter of all adults have a disability, leaving them out greatly reduces your customer base. “We look at disability inclusivity in three pillars: physical space, experience and culture. What many business leaders don’t realize is that the least expensive solutions often have the biggest impact.” The free webinar — which is in partnership with Wildwood — is next Tuesday, September 23, at 11 a.m.
To RSVP, visit inclusivesaratoga.com.
Tonko’s work on ICE appreciated
A resolution to thank U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko for his attempts to exercise “appropriate lawful oversight” of the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, passed the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting unanimously, Tuesday Sept. 16. The resolution also called on the federal Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and the Customs and Border Patrol, to comply with federal law and allow Congress to have better oversight. ICE has come under scrutiny because the agents are often masked and use unmarked cars in their “removal operations.” DHS is accused by many of not following due process when removing people.
The resolution “corroborates what I've been saying for months, that the oversight responsibility for ICE lies under Congressman Tonko’s jurisdiction,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll. He argued in July that it is not the city’s responsibility to rein in ICE.
“I think it's important that the federal…authorities work with our congressional representation and give us access to follow due process,” said Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi.Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran brought the motion forward because “Ripping people off our streets is not okay.” Tonko is a Democrat in New York’s 20th District which includes Saratoga Springs.
Elections
Finance Candidate: Common Sense and Common Ground
The Saratoga Springs Finance Department deserves an experienced professional. “With years of expertise in accounting and finance, I am ready to serve as commissioner of finance with both knowledge and vision,” says JoAnne Kiernan, who is running to be Saratoga Springs’ Commissioner of Finance.
Her priorities: Educate the council and the public on the city’s finances; prepare a long-range financial forecast.
“Saratoga Springs cannot continue to operate on year-to-year budgets, we need a plan that secures our future and ensures stability for generations to come,” she said in a prepared statement. “I will continue working with leaders and organizations on challenges from homelessness and affordable housing to truck traffic and sustainability.” She is the current Deputy Mayor of Saratoga Springs.
DA Candidate: More Ankle Monitors
Former Assistant District Attorney Bobby Logan, the Democratic nominee for Saratoga County District Attorney, says the county must purchase more ankle monitors to more easily track people between their arrest and trial, a press release from the candidate says.
“In light of the drastic changes to the bail laws, the inability for a Judge to require a defendant to wear an ankle monitor is a missing piece to ensuring public safety,” he said in a prepared statement. Alex Schmulsky a defense attorney with O’Brien and Eggleston said in a prepared statement that the option to place an ankle monitor is a smart move as it allows a person arrested to be released until trial and “adhere to restrictions like stay-away orders or curfews without unnecessary incarceration.”
Lifestyle
Saratoga Springs Class of 2005 celebrates milestone reunion
Did you graduate 20 years ago? If so, they're looking for you.
[For a shareable link of this story alone, click here.]
The 2005 graduating class from Saratoga Springs High School is throwing a 20th reunion party on Oct. 11 — and organizers are looking to reconnect with all classmates from that milestone year.
"With so much going on in everyone’s lives—careers, families, and everything in between—I’m incredibly grateful that so many of my classmates are carving out time to revisit the memories and friendships that shaped us,” says David Lombardo, a Class of 2005 graduate and the reunion’s organizer. “It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve all come."
The get-together will be 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Harvey’s Restaurant Bar downtown, and all ’05 graduates are invited to attend. Heavy apps will be served, and all attendees will receive two drink tickets. Significant others (regardless of where they went to school) are encouraged to attend, and alumni will go home with commemorative tote bags.
"I blinked and somehow two decades have flown by since we tossed our caps at graduation,” says Lombardo, who served as Class President. “This reunion is a rare chance to hit pause, look back on that formative time, and reconnect with the people who shared it with me."
Tickets are on sale until Oct. 4 — but you can save $10 by ordering before EOD tomorrow. (Day-of ticket sales will be unavailable.)
"What makes this reunion even more special is seeing how our classmates have grown into community leaders, educators, and change-makers,” says Lombardo. “It’s inspiring to celebrate those successes together and to strengthen the bonds that began all those years ago."
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or by contacting SaratogaClass2005@gmail.com. Follow the Saratoga Class of 2005 Reunion Facebook page to stay up to date with reunion activities.
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