News

October 7, 2022

Saratoga Chips and Beer Festival at Brookside Museum

The Saratoga County History Center is pleased to announce that DeCrescente Distributing Company is sponsoring the Saratoga Chips and Beer Festival that will take place on Saturday, November 12, from 1 to 5 pm at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa.

This friendly, casual gathering celebrates two things that go well together­, potato chips and beer.  The famous Saratoga Chips are the feature of the museum’s current exhibit, “In the Saratoga Style: Potato Chips and Their Regional Folklore.”  Festival goers can enjoy Saratoga Chips, represented by Mechanicville’s DeCrescente Distributing Company.

The festival, a benefit for the Saratoga County History Center, is $20 in advance, and $25 on the day of the event, while designated drivers will be $10.  SCHC members receive a $5 discount.  Snacks and the first beverage are included in the ticket price.

John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center, who are beloved for bringing fiery fiddle tunes, folk songs, and whimsical kicks to audiences worldwide, will provide live music.  To round off the festival, there will be a campfire, a S’mores station, a silent auction, and a game of potato chip trivia.

“We are thrilled to start the Saratoga Chip and Beer Festival,” said Field Horne, the Saratoga County History Center president.  “We have a beautiful exhibit that tells the many stories behind the chip, and it’s natural to partner with DeCrescente, which not only distributes local craft beer and Saratoga Chips but is a historic, fourth-generation Saratoga County business.

The exhibition showcases the vast collection of famed potato chip authority Alan Richer, “The Toga Chip Guy.”  There can be no doubt that potato chips were popularized in Saratoga Springs as evidenced by the fact that the original name for all potato chips was Saratoga Chips,” said Richer.

This evening will enable the History Center to continue our mission to help residents, visitors, and students learn about our region’s rich history and also to preserve and protect our vast collection of fascinating historical artifacts.  Tickets can be purchased at https://brooksidemuseum.org/event/saratoga-chips-and-beer-festival-2/.  For more information, visit brooksidemuseum.org or call 518-885-4000.