Old-time musicians John Kirk and Trish Miller will bring their traditional “fiery fiddle tunes” and other folk gems rooted in American traditions to the Saratoga Chips and Beer Festival that will take place on Saturday, November 12, from 1 to 5 P.M. at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa.
Kirk and Miller are a married couple from Saratoga County’s Greenfield Center in the Adirondack foothills, aiming “to change the world one tune at a time,” according to a folk music society press release. They have performed together since 1988 and have toured widely, from the Grand Canyon to Barbados, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Academy of Culture in St. Petersburg, Russia. They play music and sing at concerts, festivals, and in schools.
The Saratoga Chips and Beer Festival celebrates two things that go well together, potato chips and beer. The famous Saratoga chips are the feature of the museum’s current exhibit, “In the Saratoga Style: Potato Chips and Their Regional Folklore.” Festival goers will be able to enjoy the original Saratoga Chips, the first kettle chip in America, represented by DeCrescente Distributing Company.
The festival, a benefit for the Saratoga County History Center, is $20 in advance, and $25 on the day of the event, while designated drivers will be $10. The first beer or non-alcoholic punch or drink is included in the ticket price.
The festival will include a bonfire, a s’mores station, a silent auction, and a game of potato chip trivia.
“We are thrilled to have Kirk and Miller at the Saratoga Chip and Beer Festival,” said Field Horne, the Saratoga County History Center president. “This Saratoga County duo complement our beautiful exhibit that tells the many stories behind the chip, and it’s natural to partner with DeCrescente, which not only distributes local craft beer and Saratoga Chips but is a historic fourth-generation Saratoga County business.”
The exhibition showcases the vast collection of famed Alan Richer, “The Toga Chip Guy.” There can be no doubt that potato chips were popularized in Saratoga Springs as evidenced by the fact that the first generic name for all potato chips was Saratoga Chips,” said Richer.
Everything is set for an afternoon of good music, history, and fun. Saratoga Chips and Beer are a perfect combination. Tickets can be purchased at https://brooksidemuseum.org/event/saratoga-chips-and-beer-festival-2/. For more information, call 518-885-4000
The History Center is dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the diverse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to the Brookside Museum, the History Center provides various innovative, exciting, and educational programs online and in-person across the county.
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