Latest from the Fair
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Melody Guarino did her part to promote local musical talent, while somewhat overshadowed by attention-getting rides, shows and food booths at Saratoga County Fair on Wednesday.
The competition didn’t bother her, or fellow Bluebillies band members Orion and John Kribs, of Hadley.
They kept right on playing a pleasant array of country, bluegrass and gospel tunes for whoever cared to stop and listen.
Last year, Guarino produced “Adirondack Angels Legacy,” a collection of tunes by local female singer-songwriters.
“I’m trying to give women more visibility in the music scene,” she said.
Some vocalists were recorded for the first time.
The play list includes songs such as “When I’m Gone” by Julie Venne-Hogan, “Candlelight” by Peggy Lecuyer, “Sweet Cider” by Heather Richards, “Roll Away The Stone” by Karen Ann McEvoy and Guarino’s “Oh, Adirondacks!”
John Kribs, too, has produced a recording of songs he’s written such as “Wake Me Up Later,” “A Song and a Prayer” and “Stony Lady.”
They’re among the many talented people — from face painters to chainsaw artists — that provide a wide variety of attractions and entertainment for fair-goers.
At the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce tent, visitors are reminded about an important military hero in Saratoga County history.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a native of Poland, was instrumental in helping America win the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, 240 years ago this fall. He also designed the fortress at West Point, nicknamed the “American Gibraltar,” which was so strong the British didn’t dare attack it.
After the war, General Horatio Gates, commander of the northern American army, said of Kosciuszko: “Let us be honest. The military skill of Kosciuszko is as responsible for the victory of the Revolutionary War as it was at the Battles of Saratoga.”
After the war, he returned to Poland to help liberate his homeland from Russia. He was taken prisoner and was finally released
when he bargained his own citizenship for the release of 12,000 Polish survivors.
The fair continues through Sunday. Thursday’s highlights include a 7:30 p.m. performance by the Jason Wick Band and a demolition derby contest, also at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, goto saratoga county fair. org.