French New Orleans ambiance and the irrepressible spirit of Mardi Gras will arrive trackside as Saratoga Race Course celebrates the inaugural Foxwoods Mardi Gras at the Spa on Wednesday, August 10.

Inspired by the timeless New Orleans Fat Tuesday holiday festival made famous by the “Big Easy,” the day-long celebration will feature traditional Mardi Gras food, beads, music, masks and prizes on this colorful day sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). 

“We’re thrilled to offer our fans the chance to celebrate the vibrant and spirited New Orleans culture while experiencing some great Mardi Gras traditions at Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hal Handel. “Our Foxwoods Mardi Gras at the Spa promises a full plate of Cajun-style entertainment, food and music that will make for a terrific day at Saratoga Race Course.”

As many as 10,000 Mardi Gras beads will be distributed to patrons throughout the track from a strolling jester, and will also be available at the Foxwoods Resort Casino display area in the Saratoga Style tent. While at the tent, track-goers can register to win a pair of Bingo tickets to Foxwoods Oktoberfest on October 15, valued at $250 each.

The day will include a Mardi Gras Make-Your-Own-Mask station where kids can decorate masks with the helping hands of staff from the Tiny Tots Tea Room.

The festive atmosphere will be heightened by the uniquely New Orleans-style culinary offerings of Mouzon House of Saratoga Springs, on track for the day with free samples (while supplies last) of a special Mardi Gras Day jambalaya; and three patrons will be chosen to compete in a Man vs. Muffaletta contest in the backyard.

The backyard at Saratoga will be colorfully transformed as patrons are invited to display their best Mardi Gras purples, greens, and golds in a picnic area decorating contest.

There will be a live performance by Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers at the bandstand. Also, back by popular demand following their performance last year at Halloween in August, local teens will Zydeco Dance on the track apron after the day’s second race under the direction of local choreographer Abby Todd.

For more information about Foxwoods Mardi Gras at the Spa Day, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.