By Thomas Dimopoulos | Daily Gazette

The gathering also marked the countdown start of the 250th anniversary of the battles at Saratoga and a preliminary announcement regarding a series of commemorative events that will stage in Saratoga County throughout 2027.

While the country as a whole celebrated the 250th anniversary of America’s independence this year, 2027 marks the 250th anniversary of the two battles at Saratoga and what historians have referred to as “the turning point” of the American Revolution.

 “This year’s been full of all sorts of ceremonies and fireworks displays across the nation as we honored the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In Saratoga, we like to say that the Declaration was just the beginning,” said Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, who was among a handful of officials speaking at Friday’s event in Ballston Spa. “While other commissions are wrapping up their semiquincentennial events at the end of this year, we are forging ahead to tell the rest of the story; 1777 was a pivotal year for the American Revolution, particularly in New York and nowhere was that more apparent than at Saratoga.”

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the battles, officials announced special programming will take place through much of 2027 leading up to the fall anniversary dates. Events slated to take place include encampments, ranger-led tours of the battlefields and a variety of demonstrations, lectures, concerts and ceremonies.

Plans are underway to stage a march from Bemis Heights to Freeman’s Farm featuring active duty soldiers and veterans part of legacy units, and an evening luminaria display – which visitors will be able to drive through – will stretch across the battlefield to commemorate the lives lost during the battles.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will stage a special presentation, the specific details of which will be announced at a late date. The Saratoga National Historical Park will play a prominent role in 2027 programming, as will the village of Schuylerville – where a Turning Point Parade and Surrender Day Ceremony will take place on Oct. 17 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Gen. Burgoyne’s surrender to Gen. Gates. Historians from across the world are anticipated to attend events.