Saratoga Springs, NY, Feb 15, 2013 — Saratoga Springs is known for its mineral springs, race track and Revolutionary War battles, but it's also a popular gathering spot for those who love social dancing. Thousands gather for a "flurry" of dancing and music at the Saratoga City Center each Presidents' Day weekend. The annual Dance Flurry Festival is celebrating its 26th anniversary this weekend. You'll find dancers of all ages enjoying everything from African to Zydeco.

Originally, it was a one-day event near Albany back in 1987. Since then, the Flurry, as it's called, has evolved into a three-day winter gathering, drawing musicians, teachers, callers, volunteers, and of course, dancers from across the country. Todd Moe stopped by the event last February and found thousands enjoying wall-to-wall music and dance.  Go to full article

Saratoga Springs, NY, Mar 06, 2012 — The Adirondack North Country Association is sponsoring its 26th annual "Buyers Days" at the Saratoga Springs City Center this week. The event starts at noon on Wednesday. Todd Moe talks with ANCA's Melissa Hart, who is coordinating the show, which brings together local artisans, food producers together and retail buyers in the region. Although not open to the public, Hart says the event is part of the "buy local" puzzle.  Go to full article

Saratoga Springs, NY, Feb 29, 2012 — Saratoga Springs is known for its mineral springs, race track and Revolutionary War battles, but it's also a popular gathering spot for those who love social dancing. Thousands gathered for a "flurry" of dancing and music at the Saratoga City Center earlier this month. The annual Dance Flurry Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary over the Presidents' Day weekend. There were dancers of all ages enjoying everything from African to Zydeco.

Originally, it was a one-day event near Albany back in 1987. Since then, the Flurry, as it's called, has evolved into a three-day winter gathering, drawing musicians, teachers, callers, volunteers, and of course, dancers from across the country. As Todd Moe found out, families have grown up coming to the Flurry and for some it's an annual tradition.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2011 — With the start of another growing season, new community gardens are starting up and others are expanding around the region. Todd Moe talks with Doreen Emery, a garden organizer in the Saratoga Springs area, about starting a new community garden in Greenfield for the first time this year.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Jan 26, 2011 — Regional books include more than histories and trail guides. Canadian writer Tim Wynne-Jones sets his latest book, "The Uninvited", in rural Ontario, somewhere east of Ottawa. Eric Luper uses the Saratoga Springs race course as the center of his novel, "Bug Boy". Betsy Kepes reviews these new books for teen readers.  Go to full article

Saratoga Springs, NY, May 21, 2010 — Congressman Scott Murphy says there is a growing risk that this summer's thoroughbred racing season in Saratoga Springs could be canceled. The move would devastate the region's tourism economy.

Yesterday, the New York Racing Authority sent letters to its employees warning of possible lay-offs. State officials have failed to provide revenue to the thoroughbred industry from a proposed video-lottery terminal casino. The project has been stalled for nearly a decade.

The New York Racing Authority now says this summer's thoroughbred season, scheduled to begin in July, could be canceled if the legislature doesn't provide a bridge loan. Congressman Murphy from Glens Falls has been working to try to broker a settlement. He spoke yesterday with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Saratoga Springs, NY, May 19, 2010 — Everyone loves a good story, and Bairbre McCarthy has built a career of telling tales from her homeland. Originally from Country Clare, Ireland, McCarthy lives near Saratoga Springs and loves to share Celtic legends and folktales. McCarthy will host an evening of magical stories about ancient kings, heroes and leprechauns, Thursday night (7 pm) in the Canton Middle School Cafeteria. Todd Moe spoke with her this week during a series of storytelling workshops in Canton. McCarthy says she fell in love with stories as a child in Ireland.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Apr 27, 2010 — The budget crisis in Albany is threatening to derail yet another major upstate New York tourist draw.

Already this year, Governor David Paterson raised the possibility of cutting all funding for the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid and shutting down state campgrounds.

Now the state's political gridlock could force horseracing officials to cancel or scale back this year's summer meet at the track in Saratoga Springs.

Even the sport's biggest fans say New York's thoroughbred industry is in serious trouble.

As Brian Mann reports, some of that pain is being felt here in the North Country.  Go to full article

Mar 04, 2009 — Two hundred people attended the first debate yesterday between Republican Jim Tedisco and Democrat Scott Murphy. The town-hall style event was organized by the AARP in Saratoga Springs. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Mar 21, 2008 — For the last couple of years there's been a new theater in Saratoga Springs. That community's first year-round professional theater is in the midst of transition, or move, from New York City to Saratoga Springs. Epiphany Theatre presents four productions a year and lots of educational outreach to young theatergoers. But, wait moving from New York City to Upstate? Shouldn't that be the other way around? Epiphany Theater co-founder and producing director Amy Kaissar told Todd Moe that the theater's motto is art for the community.  Go to full article