The 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course will for the first time be available for private events during the racing offseason now through June, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced.

The 1863 Club, which debuted during the 2019 season, is a three-story, climate-controlled hospitality building located on the Clubhouse turn overlooking the historic main track at Saratoga Race Course. The building features differentiated hospitality options for a wide variety of uses and experiences, including weddings, fundraisers, reunions, and corporate dinners.

The first-floor banquet space, The Rail at the 1863 Club, features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the main track and accommodates up to nearly 500 individuals. The second floor, presented by Resorts World, accommodates up to 300 guests. The third floor offers three luxury suites each welcoming between 30 to 45 guests for intimate gatherings.

“We have received tremendous feedback from those who have enjoyed a day at the 1863 Club during the Saratoga racing season and are excited to provide even more guests with the opportunity to experience this unique space year-round,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA vice president of sales and hospitality. “The 1863 Club, with its sweeping views of Saratoga Race Course, is ideally suited to host events of all shapes and sizes during the off-season.”

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Boats By George founder George Pensel recently purchased the Lake George Forum and envisions it as a year-round boat show.

The company’s purchase of the 50,000-square-foot arena is more than a savvy business move. 

“This is something I have been dreaming about for the past four or five years, but boating has been a part of me since my family began in the business in 1948.  I worked as a dock hand at age 15, and from there continued to learn and work in the business. When my dad decided to step away from it, I guess you could say there was a spark in me,” said Pensel.

“This was a space I had interest in a few years ago but the timing wasn’t right. This time around it was,” said Pensel.

Pensel said although the property needs cosmetic updates, structurally it does not need major renovations. His vision for the space is for visitors to feel as though they are at a boat show. Pensel said there will be memorabilia and other exhibit-type aspects to the facility.

Aviation Mall announced seasonal retailer, Spirit Halloween is open again in the mall’s former Sears space.

With more than 1,400 locations across the United States, Spirit Halloween is among the largest Halloween retailer in North America. 

The store offers a selection of Halloween costumes for the entire family along with accessories, exclusive animatronics, party supplies, home décor, and more. 

Shoppers will find a vast selection of exclusively licensed merchandise at Spirit, including character costumes from Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters, Paw Patrol, Scooby-Doo and more.  New lines this year include Suicide Squad 2, Killer Clowns from Outer Space, Disney Princesses and Space Jam.

Spirit Halloween also gives back to the communities where they are located through its “Spirit of Children” program. 

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs received a $5,600 donation from 100 Women Who Care Northeast Chapter. 

THS is a nonprofit organization that provides psychological therapy services to children and adults through the use of retired race horses that have been rescued by the organization. The donation will be used to build a new run-in shed and make other improvements to their facilities.

100 Women Who Care Northeast Chapter consists of a group of women who are from Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. 

They support the concept of “collective philanthropy” by pooling their donations for a different non-profit organization each quarter. The group held its first meeting in February 2020, starting with 36 women and gradually growing to the current 70 members. 

To date, the organization has  donated more than $23,000 to local non-profit organizations including Gateway House of Peace, WAIT House, Wellspring, THS, and the Warren/Washington CARE Center.

By Susan Elise Campbell

Despite staffing shortages and many rainy days, the summer experience around Lake George is proving to be “a phenomenal season,” according to Gina Mintzer, executive director of Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

That’s good news as the country eases out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Lake is beautiful and warm and the campgrounds are full,” said Mintzer. “Everything is open and available. But there is still a pandemic and we are asking people to be safe and on the honor system.”

Television advertising, social media, flyers from businesses, and emails from the Chamber to its members are getting word out that there is an abundance of things to do in this premier resort area, rain or shine.

“There are plenty of indoor activities, such as Hyde Museum downtown Glens Falls and the Warren County Historical Society in Queensbury,” Mintzer said. “Prospect Mountain is open and free” for hiking, picnics, or a short drive offering beautiful views of Lake George.

Special Olympics New York announced the return of State Fall Games, which will be hosted by the Glens Falls community Oct. 22 and 23 at sporting venues throughout the area.

The announcement was made at a Queensbury Hotel press conference with local officials and Special Olympics athletes.

State Fall Games athletes and coaches will compete in seven sports: bocce, cycling, golf, equestrian, soccer, softball, and cross-country running.

“The 2021 State Fall Games will mark two very special milestones for our athletes, coaches and fans,” said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “This will be our first fall games since we last held them in Glens Falls in 2015, and the first statewide competition we’re able to host in-person since before the global health pandemic. I know I speak for our entire community when I say: Thank you, Glens Falls.”

State Fall Games was eliminated from the Special Olympics New York budget six years ago due to financial constraints, leaving approximately 19,000 fall sports athletes statewide without a state-level competition, officials said. The games were slated to return last October, but they were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Olympics return to activity protocols require that at least 80 percent of event participants be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Athletes who remain unvaccinated are required to wear masks and social distance at all times.