News
August 24, 2015Saratoga Race Course to Host Stewart’s Shops Day on August 26
The New York Racing Association, Inc. will celebrate a longtime community partner during Stewart’s Shops Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stewart’s Shops Day will pay tribute to the agriculture heritage and traditions of the locally-owned and operated convenience store chain, whose roots are in the dairy business since beginning as an ice cream shop in 1945.
“Stewart’s Shops is an outstanding locally-owned business and has been an integral partner in our successful season pass program at Saratoga,” said The New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “We look forward to celebrating their company’s history with a day at Saratoga Race Course in honor of Stewart’s Shops.”
The highlight of the day will be the annual Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest, during which three age groups of kids (ages 6 to 12), teens (ages 13 to 17) and adults (ages 18 and up) will compete to finish a pint of ice cream the fastest. The winner in each category will receive gift certificates for free Stewart’s Shops ice cream.
Registration for the Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest begins at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga Pavilion. Contestants will be chosen at random from all entries. The competition will unfold after the conclusion of the day’s third race at approximately 2:10 p.m. Yolanda Vega of the New York Lottery and Chad O’Hara of B95.5 FM will emcee the contest.
Vega will also host a meet and greet at the Saratoga Pavilion following the Ice Cream Eating Contest, during which fans can get autographs and photos with the well-known television personality, who has served as spokeswoman with the New York Lottery for over 20 years. The meet and greet will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Officials from Stewart’s Shops will be joined by Vega to present the trophy for a named race in honor of Stewart’s Shops. Vega will lend her trademark voice to the presentation, which will take place in the winner’s circle.
In addition to the Ice Cream Eating Contest, the day will feature a number of family-friendly activities at the Saratoga Pavilion, including a farm-themed bounce inflatable, photo opportunities with a milk truck, music, face painting and free Stewart’s Shops ice cream samples (while supplies last).
Guests will have the opportunity to speak with a local farmer and learn about the history of Stewart’s Shops throughout the afternoon. Former products from Stewart’s Shops 70-year history will also be on display.
The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will feature the well-known Saratoga Springs-based men’s acapella group Racing City Chorus. Members of the chorus will raise funds for the organization by performing at the booth throughout the afternoon as it celebrates its own milestone 60-year anniversary. The Racing City Chorus will also greet guests at the Clubhouse and Union Avenue entrances as they arrive at Saratoga Race Course.
Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, Easy Food, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today there are 331 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
The 2015 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com or call 518.584.6200.
