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July 29, 2025

Saratoga County Named #4 U.S. Summer Destination | Saratoga 250 Celebrates with Events

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The official logo for the Turning Point Parade and Festival.

The Turning Point Parade, now in its 30th year, draws thousands to Broad Street in Schuylerville. Featuring reenactors, marching bands, veterans, and first responders, the parade honors local heritage and the legacy of liberty born in Saratoga.

John Trumbull’s iconic painting, The Surrender of General Burgoyne, hangs in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. It depicts the moment Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga on October 17, 1777—a turning point that secured French alliance and American independence.

The 155-foot Saratoga Monument, part of Saratoga National Historical Park, honors the American victory at Saratoga in 1777. Located in Victory, this towering memorial marks the site where British General John Burgoyne last camp was.

The Schuyler House, home of General Philip Schuyler, is part of Saratoga National Historical Park. Burned during the 1777 campaign and quickly rebuilt, it stands as a testament to Schuyler’s leadership and resilience. Today, visitors walk the same grounds once trod by American and British officers.

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY — USA Today has named Saratoga Springs the #4 Best Summer Travel Destination in the United States, placing this historic region, including Old Saratoga, alongside the nation’s most sought-after seasonal escapes. Saratoga 250, the county-wide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, is celebrating the announcement with renewed pride and a slate of events showcasing the power of heritage tourism under the Saratoga, America’s Turning Point brand and local collaboration with the Turning Point Parade.

The news, released July 25 as part of USA Today’s annual “10 Best” Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizes destinations for their unique cultural offerings, natural beauty, and visitor appeal. Saratoga stood out for its rare combination of Gilded Age charm, Revolutionary War history, walkable downtowns, and scenic countryside—elements that continue to fuel its reputation as “Saratoga, America’s Turning Point.”

Turning Point Parade & Festival | August 3–9, 2025

Old Saratoga will host the 30th Annual Turning Point Parade and a week of free, family-friendly events from Sunday, August 3, through Saturday, August 9. This year’s festival honors Saratoga’s Revolutionary War legacy with walking tours, canal cruises, colonial life programs for kids, full-moon hikes, and living history presentations. Highlights include a talk on the women of the Saratoga Campaign, an immersive Evening with General Schuyler, and the ever-popular Cardboard Boat Races. The parade—featuring over 100 marching units—steps off at 1:00 p.m. on August 3. The week concludes with fireworks at Fort Hardy Park.

Details: www.turningpointparade.com

Why It Matters “This is about more than a travel list,” said Saratoga Supervisor Ian Murray. “It reflects what this community has built together—from the Gateway Visitors Center to Hudson Crossing Park, Victory Woods to the Schuyler House. Heritage is not just our past—it’s our path forward.”

Recent investments through Saratoga 250, Discover Saratoga, and grassroots support from local organizations and businesses have created a strong foundation for growth. With the Semiquincentennial in 2027 fast approaching, Saratoga is emerging as a model for how rural communities can use history to drive cultural vibrancy and economic renewal.

Looking ahead, Saratoga 250’s summer and fall calendar includes family-friendly events, battlefield walks, Victory Season, and the Henry Knox Fest that brings the American Revolution to life. The 2025 Turning Point Parade and Festival, now in its 30th year, will feature 100+ units—including living historians, veteran groups, and student performers—marching through historic Schuylerville.

More Information

Visit www.turningpointparade.com
Social: #Saratoga250 #AmericasTurningPoint #America250

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  Keep America’s Turning Point Alive  icon-star-red

Keep America’s Turning Point alive for generations to come by making a tax-deductible donation to the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. Our certified 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and preservation of critical assets of the Battles of Saratoga. Your support will help promote historical awareness of new generations of people across the region, nation, and globe.

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