ShalomFest2014This event isn’t on campus, but may be of interest to some, and we’re headed up there ourselves for a few hours after the Bagel Brunch. It’s on Sunday, August 24th, 11-5pm in Saratoga’s Congress Park (about 30 miles north of Albany, just off either Exit 14 or 15 on the 87-Northway).

An annual end-of-summer tradition for many years now, the Shalom Festival is sponsored by Saratoga Chabad and held in historic and beautiful Congress Park in the heart of Saratoga Springs. The program runs from 11-5 and includes performances, vendors and artisans, arts and crafts and more. Admission is free but Kosher food is sold (including hotdogs and felafel, snacks and more).

This years featured performers include Jewish Blues Musician Lazer Lloyd from Israel (a Skidmore College alum) a talented musician who plays passionately and warmly, sometimes he does the harmonica and guitar at once. Last time he was in this area, he shared this rich personal story about “Lazer Lloyd and the Flat-5” as he peppers his performance with stories and insight and lots of meaning.

Keith Nelson is a master juggler and entertainer and will do two shows throughout the afternoon, as well as fun stuff on the side. Plus there will be an on-site Shofar Factory, crafts and games for kids, all in the setting of the park.

If you haven’t tried them yet, there are several mineral springs located right in the park, for which Saratoga is famous. They vary in taste and strength and mineral content. The spring situated closest to the Broadway Ave park entrance is the one that tastes the most regular.

The Shalom Festival is sponsored by Saratoga Chabad and is part of the series of events of the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival.