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August '86 scrapbook
Some claim Saratoga Race Course is the August place to be.
Maybe — and maybe not. Other places around the greater Capital Region offer decent diversions as summer begins its slow fade toward autumn.
In 1986, people in Cobleskill rode rocket cars on metal tracks at the Cobleskill Sunshine Fair. Folks in Schenectady found time to jump rope at Jerry Burrell Park and dress in Grecian styles for a toga party at the former Canal Square. Summit Mountain Day at Summit Methodist Church put friendly faces on men, women and zucchini. The Bannertown Fair in Mayfield crowned a queen.
The queen of Saratoga Springs’ social scene also found time for fun at the original “August place to be.” W Posted on August 13, 2012.
The “mystery woman” in the white and black spotted outfit was really a famous Saratoga personality: Mary Lou Whitney, who walked a Dalmation during the third annual Dogs Only event. A nice touch: Mary Lou’s white and black gloves.
A young woman poses with two friends at the third annual Saratoga Pet Show for Dogs Only at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 12, 1986.
Sandra Banks shows off key moves during a double Dutch jump rope session during “Summer Daze" at Jerry Burrell Park in Schenectady on Aug. 9, 1986.
Schoharie residents Tracey Ellicott, left, and Jenny Smith hang on tight as their rocket car rumbles along the tracks at the Cobleskill Fair in August 1986.
Thunderbirds are go . . . and so are kids at the Cobleskill Fair in August 1986.
Tammy Kline, right, queen of Mayfield’s annual Bannertown Fair, smiles with runner-up Carolyn Wadner during the 1986 extravaganza.
William Barry III has his legs on father William Barry Jr. and his hands on a teddy bear at the Bannertown Fair in Mayfield in August 1986.
Two summer fans live it up during the Canal Square event.
Ashley Gesek, eight months, does not seem convinced that a toga is the right fashion move during the summer of 1986. Ashley's mother, Debby Gesek of Schenectady, makes an adjustment. Barbara Bradt of Schenectady holds the baby during the Canal Square toga gathering.
Canal Square — once at the rear of Proctors — attracts dancers during a TGIF Toga Party on Aug. 15, 1986.
George Speed of Summit — and his two decorated zucchinis — are ready for action at the Summit Mountain Day at Summit Methodist Church on Aug. 16, 1986.
