Hello hello,

The sun is out and the weekend is here. Welcome to this perfect fall Friday and let's hope the weather holds out for some of the great, outdoor activities going on in and around Saratoga Springs this weekend. But, even if we do get a little more damp weather, there's always plenty of indoor Oktoberfest drinking to be had! This week's top pick: The Native American festival going on Saturday and Sunday at SPAC - enjoy one of the last big events at SPAC for the season and check out traditional dancing, drumming, craft demos and more starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday!

Enjoy,

SKL

FRIDAY

Bid on some one-of-a-kind household decorations

• Wilton Applebee's Auction for Charity. Running from now until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, Applebee's in Wilton is holding a silent auction of all its decor with proceeds benefiting the Northeastern N.Y. chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Famous for its intricate wall hangings, sports memorabilia, celebrity photos and local collectibles, Applebee's is getting rid of it all in preparation for a renovation of the Wilton chain. Guests can place their bids with the manager on duty all weekend and will be notified if they win on an item. This is definitely a unique opportunity and the perfect holiday shopping idea for that special someone that's always impossible to buy for. Get down to Applebee's and check out the selection before it's gone! Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 3 Lowes Drive, Wilton. Until 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct, 2. Business hours. (583-2606). FREE to enter.

Get informed at a new documentary screening

• Screening of New Documentary "Tony", by Invisible Children. Invisible Children, an organization dedicated to creating sustainable peace for families in Uganda, releases its latest documentary film, "Tony." The film tells the story of a boy growing up in the war in Uganda - a war that continues to this day and has caused countless deaths of innocents and resulted in the displacement of families as well as the recruitment of innocent child soldiers. You'll hear the firsthand account of one survivor and learn how you can help Ugandan families and children who's lives have been turned upside down by the 23-year long war between the Lord Resistance Army and the Ugandan Government. Chilling, but critical - "Tony" is an educational and informative look inside the lives of people living in Uganda.  Palamountain Hall, Gannett Auditorium, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Friday, Sept. 30. 7 p.m. (580-5000 www.skidmore.edu). FREE.

SATURDAY 

 Rock out for breast cancer

• Rocktoberfest for Breasts V. It's Oktoberfest...for charity! Head to Stillwater this Saturday to ring in October with an afternoon full of music, live entertainment and food and drinks. Some acts include: DJ Clockwork Octopus, the Zookeepers and Rusty Old Guys. Kids activities run from 12 to 4 p.m. and other highlights include a Chinese auction and a grand fireworks display. All proceeds go to the Michele Fund to support breast cancer research and other local organizations. Stillwater American Legion Post 490, Lave Avenue, Stillwater. Saturday, Oct. 1. 12 to 10 p.m. (664-4499 www.themichelefund.com) $20 donation
  

Celebrate our country's first citizens

• Saratoga Native American Festival. The outdoors entertainment at SPAC isn't over for the season just yet. Gather friends and family this weekend to come celebrate all things traditional at the Native American Festival. The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with an opening address and continues with a showcase of traditional dancers, singers and performers. Other highlights include drumming, dancing, kids' activities and a variety of food, beverage and craft vendors will set up on site both days. Vendors will also be giving free demos of craft skills such as basket weaving and mask making. The number one pick for the weekend!  Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs. Saturday Oct. 1 & Sunday, Oct. 2. (583-1440 www.saratoganativefestival.com). $10 Adults, $7 Seniors, $5 Children under 12.

SUNDAY

Join a 5K community walk/run

•  The Greno Industries Run For The ROC 5K Run and Community Walk. Sponsored by the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, the Greno Industries Run for the ROC raises funds for patient programs and services at the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center. For the kids, there will also be a separate "Lil' Derby Dash" race for kids at the Saratoga Flat Track beginning at 10:15 a.m. After the race you can relax and enjoy live music and complimentary refreshments. Prizes go to top three male runners, top three female runners and top runners in each age group. The first 400 to register receive a free race T-shirt as well. Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, Oct. 2. (583-8779 www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org). $25 Registration

WILTON — The Wilton Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar announced this morning it will be auctioning off its interior decor through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 with proceeds going to charity. 

Applebee's visitors will have the opportunity to bid on items including sports memorabilia, celebrity photographs and local Saratoga-themed collectibles. 

Clearing its walls in preparation for an upcoming remodeling, the local Applebee's chose to auction its decor to benefit the Northeast N.Y. chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Known for dense decorations paying homage to local sports teams and favorite singers or actors, Applebee's hopes this weekend's auction will not only help support a good cause, but will also be an opportunity for community members to do a little Christmas shopping.

"The holidays are right around the corner and this auction allows our customers to take advantage of some early shopping, all while benefiting a deserving organization," said Stephanie Griffin, director of marketing for T.L. Cannon Companies, in a recent statement. 

To place your bid on any of the various auction items, just go to the Wilton Applebee's before Sunday evening and make your big with the restaurant manager on-duty at that time. All items must be paid for with cash and the deadline to pick up and pay for your item ends at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3. 

For more information call 583-2606. 

The Wilton Applebee's is located off Route 50 north in Lowe's plaza.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Painted in the window of what used to be Gotchya’s restaurant on Beekman Street is a giant sign reading, “Coming soon — The Groggery.”

Owners Michael Pape and Michelle Corbett opened Gotchya’s Trattoria, an American pasta and pizza house, in July of 2005. On Tuesday, Sept. 27 the Gotchya’s website was up and running, but by Wednesday the home page simply read, “R.I.P. Gotchya’s July 2005 — September 2011.”

So what happened to the long-running pasta joint nestled in Saratoga’s arts district?

Although Pape and Corbett could not be reached for comment as of Wednesday evening, a voicemail recording at the old Gotchya’s phone number offers a few more details about the Groggery, a new pub/bar scheduled to open “soon.”

The message says the Groggery will serve, “beer, wine, cocktails and classic home-style bar food” and as of now — or when it opens — the pub will only accept cash payments.

Gotchya’s fans never fear — the Groggery will still remain under the same ownership when it opens its doors to the public.

“It’s the same owners as far as I know,” said Zack Lobdell, a manager at neighboring restaurant Beekman Street Bistro. “I think Michelle (Corbett) originally wanted to have an art gallery over there and they’re turning half of it into a gallery.”

Lobdell’s hypothesis appears on point based on another sign at the 68 Beekman building reads, “Clayworks at the Groggery.”

As of now, the official opening date of the Groggery and Clayworks is unknown, but because Pape and Corbett restored the historic building years ago before opening Gotchya’s, the re-design requirements shouldn’t take too long.

“They (Pape and Corbett) have been in and out of the building so far and we’re looking forward to seeing the new place,” Lobdell said.

TGIF.

I know it's been a while - the brief hiatus after track season wasn't quite as brief as I expected, but on the first day of fall it seemed appropriate to roll back into the Weekend Insider Friday biz column.

Fall is upon us and Saratoga County is welcoming crisp autumn nights this weekend with a number of events, harvest-themed festivals and celebrations. Rain or shine, it's that time of year to sip hot apple cider, plan your Halloween costume and indulge in a pumpkin pie or pumpkin spice latte (a personal favorite).

We still have a whole season before the snow piles up on our doorstep (we hope) so get out there and usher in the harvest season with flair this weekend. Enjoy!

SKL

SATURDAY

Get lifted at the Adirondack Balloon Fest

• The 39th annual Adirondack Balloon Festival. Now almost in its 40th year, the four-day Adirondack Balloon Festival is one of the largest in the region. The opening ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 22 where visitors watched 12 balloons take off marking the start of this weekend's festivities. Over 60 massive, bright-colored balloons will take off all together this weekend and with an array of entertainment for the whole family. Some highlights include provided breakfast, food and drink vendors on-site, a craft fair and kids activities. The festival takes place at two locations, the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury and Crandall Park in Glens Falls. A can't miss event. Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport and Crandall Park, Glens Falls. Happening now through Sunday, Sept. 25. (For more information and complete schedule of events visit http://www.glensfallsregion.com/things-to-do/balloon-festival/). FREE.

 Bring the ladies to the N.Y. Women's Expo

• N.Y.Women's Expo - Halfmoon. The largest show for women in the state is here in Halfmoon this weekend with over 150 exhibits celebrating all things female. The latest trends in beauty, health, fashion, beauty, home decor and more will be available in a variety of goods and services accessible at the event. Even non-traditional "women's" services in areas including education, legal advice, wireless and automotive will be available to guests. There will be informational sessions and seminars as well as several fashion shows running each day of the expo. A portion of the event proceeds will go to the Northeastern N.Y. Susan G. Komen for the cure organization. Shop, relax and learn with the girls this weekend. Free samples and complimentary services always a plus! Sportsplex in Halfmoon, 6 Corporate Drive, Halfmoon. Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25.12 to 6 p.m. (479-3976). $5 pass good for both days.

Take advantage of free yoga in Malta

• Yana Yoga Open House. Never one to miss out on free yoga, I couldn't help but add this to this weekend's top picks (well, my top picks...). Anyway, Yana Yoga will be offering free snacks, beverages and classes throughout the day: 9-10:15 a.m. Invigorating Yoga Flow; 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beginner Yoga Flow; 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Yoga for Christians; 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Healthy Hot Yoga Flow. Yana Yoga, Malta Commons, Malta. Saturday, Sept. 24. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (522-5472 www.yanayoga.net). FREE.

Celebrate fall with Saratoga Polo

• Saratoga Polo Association & Chrysler Fall Festival. Get down to the polo fields before the season comes to a close this weekend for their fall festival. In addition to horses and polo, Chrysler will put on a "Hot Rods and Hot Bikes" show with trophies going to the winners. Elvis impersonator Donny Romaines will keep the swinging 50s music going all day. The event is rain or shine and each vehicle costs $10 for entry. Another exciting highlight - the beer tasting pavillion, where guests 21 + can sample the best craft brews from across the Capital District. Part of the day's proceeds will go to benefit the Times Union Hope Fund. Saratoga Polo, 2 Bloomfield Road, Greenfield. Saturday, Sept. 24. 1 to 6 p.m. $10 (584-8108 www.saratogapolo.com). $10

Usher in October with Saratoga's own Oktoberfest

• Oktoberfest at the Saratoga County Museum/Brookside. In true German tradition (other nationalities welcome) visit Brookside Museum this Saturday night for Saratoga's own Oktoberfest. The evening features live German music and entertainment, beer, food and a wine tasting. Proceeds help raise funds for the museum's educational programs and both a silent and live auction will take place as well. Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa. Saturday, Sept. 24. 6 to 11 p.m. (885-4000 www.brooksidemuseum.org). $40 each, $75 couple.

SUNDAY

Celebrate fall at the Henry Street Harvest Festival

• 2nd Annual Harvest Festival.  Henry Street will shut down for several hours on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 2nd annual Harvest Festival benefiting local non-profit Gateway House of Peace. Businesses will offer their own specialty events including bead crafts at Saratoga Beads, a beer tasting and live Irish music at the Parting Glass and a "cut-a-thon" featuring hair cuts and extensions at Simplicity - a Salon. In addition, local crafts and artisans will set up shop alongside food and drink vendors and two stages will feature live music throughout the event. Another fall must. Henry Street, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, Sept. 25. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (423-518).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The second annual Harvest Festival will close down Henry Street this Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for an afternoon filled with live music, activities, free food and more - all to help raise money for the Ballston-Spa based Gateway House of Peace charitable hospice organization.

While the event isn't exactly free, it's well worth its low admission prices beginning at $3 for children, $5 for adults and a $20 package deal for families. Fortunately, you can feel good knowing those pennies are going to a benefit the Gateway House, who relies one hundred percent on donor funding for its operations.

Businesses on Henry Street are working with Gateway House to put on a bigger and better event than last year's Harvest Festival, which drew a crowd of over 1,000 and raised several thousand for the organization.

This year's festival will host an array of craft and artisan vendors, food stands and two stages for day-long live music. Henry Street shops will feature their own sub-events throughout the day including a "cut-a-thon" at Simplicity — a Salon complete with hair extensions (no word if they're free...), a wine tasting at Scallions Restaurant and a beer tasting at the Parting Glass with a live Irish music performance.

Other fun family highlights: kid's bead crafts at Saratoga Beads; face paint and even a street circus performance by Acoustic Circus.

Sunday's Harvest Festival is expected to be the largest single event in Gateway House's six-year history. As an entirely volunteer and donor funded organization, every dollar earned this weekend will go directly to the non-profit, helping Gateway House continue to provide hospice services to the local terminally community.

A great and beneficial partnership, a seasonal celebration and fun festival for all ages sets this downtown celebration apart from the crowd and is, in this biz-blogger's opinion, a top-pick for the weekend and also an admirable example of the Saratoga community turning out to support one another. See you there!

SKL

For more about the Harvest Festival, call 423-5182 and for further information about Gateway House of Peace call 654-5403 or visit www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org.

Yes Glens Falls might be slightly out of the Saratogian's coverage area, but this yoga enthusiast thinks free yoga classes is worth a mention.

GLENS FALLS — The Yoga Nook, located at 21 Thompson Avenue in Glens Falls, is celebrating the month of September, which is national yoga month with a series of free weekend classes running through October.
The Nook will offer both drop-in adult classes and family classes, which require registration.

Saturday, Sept. 24: Adult yoga 9 to 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 25: Adult yoga 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2: Adult yoga 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9: Adult yoga 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30: Family yoga at 1 p.m. Featuring Halloween treats and refreshments after class.

For more information and to register for the family class call 798-0978.

Developments at Saratoga Marketplace; Bazaar closes, Lucia expanding & new comfort food lunch spot in the works

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The seasons are changing and so are the shops on Broadway.

You might have noticed the covered windows at 454 Broadway, which used to hold bright displays of colorful carpets and ceramics, hand-woven scarves and other imported goods sold inside Saratoga Turkish Bazaar.

After five years in the street-side storefront of the Saratoga Marketplace (formerly Downstreet Marketplace), Saratoga Turkish Bazaar has closed those doors to focus on its second location, opened this spring, at 506 Broadway.

Once Bazaar Owner Levent Derdiyok finishes moving out of the Marketplace, the open space won't stay empty for long.

Lucia Boutique, a small specialty shop located inside the Marketplace, plans to move into the larger, more visible space by November.

Lucia Owner Lucy Straus said she was excited about the move and no one has been confirmed to move into her former space once they go into the new location.

In even more Marketplace news, Straus gave the Saratogian an insider tip about a new business her husband is opening in the former home of Bettie's Cakes on the Marketplace's lower level.


Straus said her husband's endeavor will be called Comfort Kitchen, which she described as a comfort food lunch destination that will also offer catering options.

Jude Connally packs its bags

SARATOGA SPRINGS — When Jude Zimmerman signed a three-month lease to open her Jude Connally clothing boutique in the 15,000-square-foot storefront at 438 Broadway (on the corner of Caroline Street), she knew it wasn't long term.

Still, the seasonal "pop-up" store was more than that according to an interview I had with Zimmerman early this summer. The owner had expressed hopes about staying in Saratoga long-term.

“It’s our first retail store, so it’s a test,” Zimmerman said back in May. “It’s what we’re calling a pop-up shop where we come into a vacant space and stay there through the season and hopefully, if we do well in Saratoga, we may end up staying there permanently.”

I haven't talked to Zimmerman since Jude Connally packed up and it's too early to speculate - who knows, Jude Connally might make its way back to Broadway sooner than we think. But, the fact remains the lease was up and the space on the corner of Caroline and Broadway next to Wheatfields Restaurant is once again empty.

We'll see what comes next.

ROUND LAKE — Lake Ridge Restaurant, a family-oriented eatery in Round Lake, is celebrating its tenth anniversary by offering guests a special dining deal throughout the month of September.

Owners Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwood want to thank the community for supporting the restaurant since it opened in 2001 and to do so, they will offer a complimentary champagne toast to anyone who dines at Lake Ridge in September. Guests will be entered into a raffle for the grand prize of dinner for for and a second prize of lunch for four.

Chef Ringwood is also offering a special "10-10-10" menu, featuring 10 different dishes for $10 each. 

The deal is a celebration of the past 10 years, during which McKenna and Ringwood transformed Lake Ridge restaurant into a large operation featuring three dining rooms, a full bar and an extensive American-style lunch and dinner menu.

According to Ringwood, the restaurant's success wouldn't be possible without Lake Ridge's loyal customer base.

"The menu is a thank-you-gift for all the great support over the years — we hope everyone can come and enjoy it," said Diana Murphy, the Lake Ridge restaurant manager.

The special deal will run through September and is open to anyone who eats at Lake Ridge.

Lake Ridge Restaurant
35 Burlington Avenue
Round Lake, NY 12151
www.lake-ridge.com

WILTON — Looking for a job or thinking about a change? The possibilities are endless and if you're not sure where to start or know exactly what you're looking for — the Saratogian is here to help.

Swing by the Wilton Mall today before 4 p.m. to check out the 2011 Saratogian Job Fair. Talk to the experts, see what's out there and bring your resume for free resume critiques and advice to help you nail that job you've always dreamed of.

When you're there don't forget to enter for a chance to win a $100 Stewart's gift certificate.

Here's the complete list of employers featured at today's job fair:

Ace Hardware
Adirondack Broadcast
Aflac
Aim Services
Army National Guard
Beacon Pointe
Corepay Inc ¼
Computer Science Corporation
Curtis Lumber Co.
First Investors
First Niagara Bank
Janitronics Facility Services
Legal Aid & Food Stamps
Liberty Hr Services
Happy Software
Mildred Elley
Saratoga Casino & Raceway
Saratoga Hospital Cancer Screening
Silverleaf Resorts
Star 101.3
State Farm
Stewart’s Shops 
Trustco
US Army Recruiting Battalion
Vet HELP
Wildwood Programs

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Holistic health center One Roof Saratoga announced today it will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 16 to celebrate the opening of their second location One Big Roof at 433 Broadway, Suite 302 located above Putnam Market.

The expansion comes as a response to an increased growth in attendance and interest at the wellness center's existing location at 58 Henry Street.

One Big Roof will allow more clients to access the center's healing services with an extended class and program offering. Some of the highlighted services that will be offered at One Big Roof include therapeutic yoga classes, pregnancy and childbirth workshops, stress reduction programs, meditation and other alternative health initiatives. 

Although the ribbon cutting will mark the gran opening of One Big Roof, the new, more spacious wellness center and studio is currently offering programs. For a complete calendar click here.

For additional information visit http://www.oneroofsaratoga.com/ or call 581.3180.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sangwych, a local Brooklyn-style sandwich shop at 68 Putnam Street changed hands on Aug. 1 when John Meyer, Jon Malm and Bobby Holt purchased the deli from former owner Ron Farber.

Though Farber no longer runs Sangwych, the restaurateur doesn't have to worry about leaving the downtown foodie business as he also owns the fine dining bistro 28 Tables and The Metro (formerly Mare) nightclub and lounge both on Maple Avenue.

Handing the business over to Meyer, Malm and Holt was a simple switch as both Meyer and Malm have been working with Sangwych since its inception earlier this spring.

"We know how loyal our customers are and the great reputation Sangwych has so we won't deviate from that base," said Meyer in a recent statement.

The core menu will stay the same, continuing to offer Brooklyn favorites like shrimp PO boys, tuna nachos, lobster BLTs, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil on Italian bread as well as scrumptious authentic Cannolis, homemade cookies and a variety of beverages.

 The main change is the addition of Holt, former head chef at Gaffney's and Hatties, who plans on adding an extended menu with more daily specials. Sangwych's current menu sticks to some soups, salads and sandwiches, but the new owners plan to introduce chicken wings and homemade soups to the menu sometime this fall.

Another new development is the addition of delivery service for local businesses as well as Skidmore College. The deli also accepts the Skidmore student card.

Sounds like this niche eatery (which stays open until 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday - genius for those with the late night Caroline Street munchies, but want something other than pizza) is only going to get better this fall.

SKL

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julia Van Zandt, also known as Julia the Soup Lady, started her own homemade soup business two years ago when she became fed up with feeding her kids unhealthy take out every night.

“My kids are very active,” Van Zandt said. “I was spending a tremendous amount of time driving to and from sports, music lessons and so on so I didn’t have time to cook and I was so tired of eating of boxes.”

Inspired by a cookbook she read about a man who created his own soup company in Austin T.X., Van Zandt and friend Lauren started their own endeavor with the Saratoga Soup Company.

After two years renting a kitchen space at Temple Sinai where Van Zandt could only cook once a week, the company is finally moving to their own space on Geyser Road where they will be able to stew soup as many days per week as needed to meet the company’s orders.

“We were selling out that’s why we needed to move,” Van Zandt said. “We loved being downtown, but we needed to put more people in the kitchen for more days to feed more people.”

The Saratoga Soup Co. is still on its summer hiatus (meaning no orders just yet everyone) until soup season kicks off in late September once Van Zandt has completed the finishing touches on her new kitchen. The company sells soup by order only, but Van Zandt said retail may be in their future. For more information visit www.saratogasoup.com and stay tuned for a special Saratoga Soup “In the Biz” column later in the month!

Hello and Welcome to your very belated Weekend Insider Roundup. 

My apologies for the late post and the subsequent lack of video this week - I've come down with a bad cold and was not "camera ready" per se. 

Despite all that, get ready to celebrate your three-day final stretch weekend, also known in other parts of the country as Labor Day weekend. There's plenty going on and with the last day of racing on Monday, locals and visitors alike will want to catch a race or two at Saratoga Race Course before the track closes on another successful meet. 

Enjoy the holiday!

SATURDAY

Snag a sweet deal at Fiat Feminae

• Labor Day kickoff - Local Resident Appreciation. Fiat Feminae owner Lisa Alden wants to thank the community for their continued support during her first month in business. All local residents just have to show their ID at the fine lingerie and intimate wear boutique and they will receive a free panty with any purchase over $60. Fiat Feminae, 489 Broadway. Saturday, Sept. 3. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (584-5147 http://www.facebook.com/fiatfeminae). FREE.

Break a sweat for the horses

• Run for the Horses 5K. Join the second annual 5k road race to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The foundation currently cares for 1,100 former racehorses after their career in racing comes to an end. The first 250 people to register will receive a free T-shirt and prizes will be handed out to all Kids Fun Run participants. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each age category. Refreshments available  after the race. Saratoga Spa State Park, Orenda Pavillion. Saturday, Sept. 3. 8:30 to 11 a.m. (226-0028). $20 pre registtration/$25 day of. Kids run free. 

Celebrate the final stretch of the 2011 racing season

• Final Stretch Festival. Celebrate the final weekend of racing at Saratoga Race Course. The party kicks off with the family fun fest and Labor Day BBQ to mark the days of the 40-day Saratoga meet. The final stretch music festival runs downtown with six different acts playing at sites along Broadway from Ellsworth Jones Place to Ben and Jerry's at the corner of Phila and Putnam Streets. Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Saturday Sept. 3 until Monday, Sept. 5. 7 to 11 p.m. (5c www.saratogaracetrack.com) FREE.

Shop for more sexy deals at Chic Underneath

• Labor Day Weekend sale at Chic Underneath. All summer styles of intimate and lounge wear at Chic Underneath will be 15 percent off this weekend to make way for fall. Hurry in quick because the first 15 purchases will also receive a free eyebrow shaping and eyebrow wax at this one-of-a-kind lingerie boutique and waxing salon. The sale runs through the weekend so don't miss this exclusive deal. Chic Underneath, 7 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. Sat., Sept. 3 through Mon. Sept. 5. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (450-1034 www.chicunderneathboutique.com). FREE to shop.

SUNDAY

Jam to Sir Elton John

• Elton John Live at SPAC. Ummm it's Elton John - what other reason do you need to go to SPAC this weekend. John hasn't played in the Capital District for over a year and he is undoubtedly one of the world's most charismatic, glamours and world respected singer-songwriters to grace SPAC all summer long. It's Sir Elton John - you never know how much glitter, glitz and glam he will bring to Sunday's show so my recommendation is to be there and see everything first hand. 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs. 8 p.m. (587-3330 www.spac.org).$26-$179.50

Have fun with the fam at the track

• Family Fun Fest at Saratoga Race Course + Community Appreciation Day. Celebrate the final festivities at the track on the last two days wrapping up the 143rd racing season in Saratoga Springs. All proceeds go toward the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital District. On Sunday and Monday the backyard at Saratoga Race Course will feature activities, carnival games, face painting, caricatures, giant inflatables and pony rides. Join then fun to usher out this year's meet! Things get better with jugglers and stilt walkers and even a magic show outside the bounce house, A can't miss event for the kids. On the final day of racing, Monday, all fans will receive free grandstand admission to celebrate the end of the 143rd meet at Saratoga Race Course.  Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 5. 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (584-7064 www.saratogaracetrack.com). 3$ Grandstand

Continue the final festivities into the evening at Sperry's

• Sperry's 2nd Annual End of Track Party. This Labor Day, say goodbye to this year's summer racing season with friends and family at Sperry's Restaurant on Caroline Street. The night features live entertainment by the George Boone Blues Band and plenty of great drink specials to say farewell to the 143rd meet at Saratoga Race Course and start planning for next summer when the 144th racing season begins in late July. Sperry's Restaurant, 30 1/2 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Starts at 8 p.m.(584-9618 www.sperrysrestaurant.com). FREE.