Date of Event: May 20th 2007 PUBLISH: In a Timely Fashion SUBJECT: Heritage Day Celebration Contact: Mary-Jane Rau Pelzer The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center 587-3241 Heritage Day – Something for Everyone! Saratoga Springs: On May 20, 2007, from noon until 4:00pm, the rich history of 19th century Saratoga Springs will be celebrated at The Visitor Center, in Congress Park and at the Saratoga Springs History Museum with a variety of performances, demonstrations, and activities; the event is free and open to the public. Mayor Valerie Keehn will open the event by unveiling a bronze plaque at 262 Broadway, the site of the magnificent Convention Hall, which was a presence on Broadway from 1893 until it was destroyed by fire in 1965. Sonny Bonacio and Tom Roohan are co-sponsoring the Convention Hall Plaque, the second in a series of Heritage Plaques to be placed on Broadway. There will be a short reception at The Visitor Center following the plaque ceremony. In honor of Heritage Day and the plaque, a limited edition stamp featuring Convention Hall, complete with a special cancellation envelope and an insert with additional facts about the building, will be on sale at The Visitor Center; the stamp is the second in a series of Heritage Day Collectible Sets. Heritage Day events will include performances by noted balladeer Linda Russell, Native American tracking lore and stories by Jim Bruchac of the Ndakinna Education Center, and “Punch and Judy,” traditional puppet show entertainment by the Punch Bowl Sisters, Dr. Sharon Peck and Debbie Peck Kelleher. There will be a screening of “Historic Views of the Spa City” and several artisans and educators will demonstrate crafts and medicines common during the 1800’ s, and the role of Saratoga’s 77th Regiment in the Civil War. The Saratoga Springs History Museum will feature an exhibit of old mineral water bottles on loan from the National Bottle Museum. In addition to special exhibits, performances and demonstrations, opportunities for individual participation will also be offered: kids of all ages will be encouraged to play some games that were popular during the 19th century or to practice some of the dance steps popular during the era under the guidance of Paul Rosenburg of Homespun Occasions. People can also make their own silhouette portrait, an art form popular in the 1800’s; take a guided walking tour of some of the Putnam family homesites: visit the “open house” at the Putnam Burying Ground; chat with members of the Victorian Ladies about their elaborate period dress, or chat with Gideon and Doanda Putnam, Saratoga’s Founding Father and his wife, who will be eager to share their reactions to the changes in the area since they last lived here. For those interested in learning more about Saratoga’s history, the Saratoga Springs Public Library will feature a display of suggested titles. All Heritage Day activities will take place at The Visitor Center and in Congress Park; the event will run rain or shine. Heritage Day is the result of cooperation between many local organizations; a full list of Heritage Day Committee members is listed at the Visitor Center. For more information on Heritage Day, call Heritage Day Coordinator Mary-Jane Rau Pelzer at The Visitor Center, 587-3241. ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.