Saratoga rolls out red carpet for Belmont Stakes crowds

Just days away from the 156th Belmont Stakes, businesses around Saratoga Springs are saddling up to welcome the influx of horse racing fans and visitors.

The prestigious event’s temporary relocation from Belmont Park on Long Island to Saratoga Race Course is expected to be an economic boon for local merchants and restaurateurs.

“I knew it was going to be a huge day one. I think it’s the best thing to happen [to] upstate New York in a very long time,” said Kerry Fagan, owner of the family apparel store Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel.

Fagan’s shop, which has dressed Saratogians for more than 20 years, is stocking up on bright, bold colors to outfit race-goers.

“We go bright, we go bold. This is my season — spring, summer,” Fagan said. “You just can’t go bold enough clothes-wise, you know? We have coral, aqua, blue, pink. This is the time to let it go, especially for Belmont travelers.”

Just down the street, milliner Joyce Locks is preparing her Hatsational shop for the wave of visitors seeking a headpiece.

“They bring in their dresses, suits, and we find the perfect fit, color, style for each person,” Locks said. “We’ve got a lot to offer everyone, and it’s good that they’re going to get a taste of it.”

All around downtown, storefronts are being transformed into vibrant displays celebrating the Belmont’s arrival, from jockey silk-themed windows to carnation bouquets, the official flower of the race.

The local food and beverage scene is also getting in on the action. At Bocage Champagne Bar, owners Zac Denham and Clark Pettit are preparing Belmont-themed offerings like a “Belmont Bubbly Brunch.”

The boutique bar was born from the couple’s love of sparkling wines discovered in France.

“We wanted to create an environment that was warm, inviting, not pretentious and being able to expose and share our love of all things sparkling,” Denham said.

As Saratoga welcomes first-time visitors for the “Run for the Carnations,” local businesses are ready to showcase what they feel makes the city special.

“I’m really excited to see people experiencing Saratoga for the first time, to show them what makes it really special,” Denham said.