July 13, 2022 |
A parade, pancake breakfast, car show, live concert and other festivities drew big crowds into Saratoga over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials report that Saratoga Days was a big success.
Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Amanda Knotwell described the weekend as an “amazing” success.
Pictured above: Ned LeDoux performs at Saratoga Days. Photo courtesy Ned LeDoux/Facebook.
The Independence 5K Run was a collaborative event between the chamber and the Town of Saratoga Recreation Department. Recreation Director Sara Laughlin told the Saratoga Town Council last week that 5K “crushed” previous town races, doubling the number of registrants who came out for the run.
Laughlin thanked the volunteers who helped with the event, as well as town crews and the fire department who helped with logistics including signs and traffic control to keep the event safe and organized.
After the race Saturday morning, Bridge Street between First and River was closed to vehicle traffic to set up for the night show.
Ned LeDoux was the headliner Saturday night at the free concert downtown set up on a mobile stage. The street was packed with fans and revelers. One of those in attendance was Undersheriff Shawn Kelly and his wife. The undersheriff, who appeared before town council on another matter, provided some unsolicited appreciation for a well-run Fourth of July show.
The Saratoga Days Committee, that helped organize the three-day event and contract the night show includes Scott and Michelle McIlvaine, Joe Elder and Amanda Shahadey. McIlveine said the event was a big success for the town.
McIlveine and the rest of the Saratoga Days Committee already is working on next year’s night show. He said last year’s crowd favorite, The 80s Band, which plays strictly rock ‘n roll favorites from the 80s is booked.
McIlveine said the contract is not signed for next year’s headliner so he could not discuss which band he is hoping to bring to Saratoga next year.
Saratoga Town Council expressed their appreciation for the volunteers who worked to make this year’s Fourth of July weekend a successful event with few complications.
Every big event is followed by a clean-up effort. Public Works Director Jon Winter said other than some dogs getting into the trash at Veterans Island after Monday’s barbecue there, town crews were able to handle the aftermath of Saratoga Days without any real problems.
