21st Annual Victorian Streetwalk in Downtown Saratoga Springs -- A Time of Festive Entertainment and Holiday Spirit

Saratoga Springs, NY draws in popular entertainers from all over the region - some from as far away as the North Pole - for the celebrated Victorian Streetwalk, a yearly holiday tradition.

(PRWEB) November 15, 2007 -- Each year, the Thursday after Thanksgiving in Saratoga Springs, NY marks an evening of festive tradition as the community celebrates the downtown Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk -- one of the most anticipated events of the season. Saratoga.com offers some background on this popular event and a sneak preview into what's in store for this year.

Victorian Streetwalk Logo 2007

There is a whole generation of twenty-two year olds (and under) that grew up with the Victorian Streetwalk and are now returning from college and performing in it. That makes me extremely proud.

"This is my twenty-first year as the Victorian Streetwalk Coordinator," said Susan L. Farnsworth of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association. "Our goal is to say 'Thank You' to everyone who supports us year round and to give the local families a tradition that is unique to Saratoga Springs' life."

During this annual holiday tradition, carolers stroll the streets, dressed head to toe in Victorian-era garb, singing Christmas carols and spreading holiday cheer. Entertainers perform inside local boutiques, restaurants and other venues before heading to the streets with their magic acts, musical performances and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus show up for the festivities as well, accompanied by their real-live reindeer. Farnsworth says there is something for everyone.

"We have 47 venues downtown with entertainment," said Farnsworth. "There will be music, magic, carolers, a Festival of Trees, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, special postal cancellations, harp music, hammered dulcimer, a glass player, belly dancers, church choirs, five a-cappella groups from Skidmore College, balloon sculptures, face painting, 'Snow Queen' characters, dancers, D.A.R.E. food drive, Victorian fiddle player, Rich Ortiz, Jeff Strange, Nick Collucio, Sonny & Perly, Newfoundlands, open houses in all the stores and more -- and it's all free and open to the public."

Luckily, strolling pedestrians need not worry anymore about cars whizzing past as they enjoy these downtown festivities. The city of Saratoga Springs now closes Broadway to traffic for five hours during the Victorian Streetwalk each year.

"We have grown and improved the festival every year," said Farnsworth. "The most profound change in the festival was when we managed to close Broadway to traffic three years ago thanks to the CDTA, Saratoga Springs Police, D.A. Collins, Donnelley Construction, NYRA and the Department of Public Works."

One of the most popular traditions at this yearly event is to get special postal cancellations for mailing Christmas cards. Many Victorian Streetwalk enthusiasts head to the downtown post office to receive their commemorative Victorian Streetwalk postal cancellations--available only for a few hours during the event.

Farnsworth expressed her sentiments about the event's progress through the years. She said, "There is a whole generation of twenty-two year olds (and under) that grew up with the Victorian Streetwalk and are now returning from college and performing in it. That makes me extremely proud."

Learn more about the Victorian Streetwalk in downtown Saratoga Springs at Saratoga.com.

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