Drawing: ValleyCats season tickets
The Joe's a nice place to see a game.
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
Play ball! The Tri-City Valleycats open their season this Friday at The Joe. We have a pair of season tickets for the ValleyCats, and we're giving them away -- maybe to you.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
What marks the start of summer in the Capital Region for you?
It could be the blooming of peonies, the first outdoor concert, ice cream at a speciic stand, whatever. We'll pick one winner at random -- that person will get the pair of tickets. But, wait, there's more. The winner will also receive:
+ Meet & greet picnic with the team on Thursday, June 12.
+ A guarantee to receive all premium giveaways, including desktop replica championship rings & a Johnny Evers bobblehead.
+ More than $30 in concession & merchandise coupons.
+ A parking pass.
The ValleyCats' season stretches from June through the end of August. They're the reigning champs in the New York-Penn League, a "short season A" league in minor league baseball. The Cats are affiliated with the Houston Astros. Thirty ValleyCats players have ended up playing in Major League Baseball, including Hunter Pence, Ben Zobrist, and George Springer.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 10 am on Wednesday, June 11 and must respond by 10 am on Thursday, June 12.
photo courtesy of the Tri-City ValleyCats
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Comments
I love all the free live music our region has to offer and since Tulip Fest is still spring I'd say the first Alive at Five would mark the unofficial start of summer!
... said Graceful J on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:25 AM | link
Memorial Day.
... said Evan on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:27 AM | link
The Ice Cream truck coming around.
... said colleen on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:29 AM | link
It officially summer when I can walk my dog first thing in the morning with my pajama shorts still on a flip flops. Don't worry, its usually before everyone is awake in my neighborhood!
... said Heather on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:31 AM | link
I always know summer is here when the bikers start congregating at the DD on Lark and Madison
... said Bee on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:44 AM | link
Having to mow the entire lawn.
... said ace on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:48 AM | link
Kitten Season
... said Alison on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:57 AM | link
When Kurver Cream opens!
... said Laura on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:58 AM | link
Summer is here in the Capitol Region when soft serve ice cream becomes a regular dinner item for me.
... said Nicole on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:59 AM | link
When it's finally nice enough to be outside without a jacket! Memorial weekend, too, of course.
... said Kristin on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:02 PM | link
When you can wear shorts and roll down the windows of your car without feeling cold! And when you start seeing lines outside of your favorite soft-serve ice-cream stands....
... said Jian on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:11 PM | link
The Valley Cats season starts!
... said Jessica R on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:12 PM | link
When the strawberries are ready for u-pick.
... said Adam on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:13 PM | link
Mowing my lawn! The site, the smell, the sound... but especially all of the activities that you can associate with freshly mowed grass - baseball, kids playing, sprinklers, outdoor parties, and so on! It's as if all lawn mowers that went south for the winter have come back, bringing with them sunshine and fun for all!
... said Sean on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:24 PM | link
The opening of the Victoria Pool in Saratoga, and the Summer concerts at Jumping Jacks.
... said Nick on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:27 PM | link
Moxie's opens.
... said cmlarky on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:28 PM | link
Eating a cheesesteak outside at Philly's.
... said fuddley on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:29 PM | link
Seeing Slidin' Dirty open for business near the office at lunch for the first time.
... said KGB on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:29 PM | link
Patio furniture gets put out at the bars
... said KJ on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:40 PM | link
The farmer's markets moving outdoors!
... said Caroline on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:52 PM | link
Kurver Kreme
... said Lee on Jun 9, 2014 at 12:55 PM | link
When you catch lightening bugs in the back yard.
... said Amelia on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
First swim in Sacandaga.
... said John on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:08 PM | link
Tulip Festival!
... said Amy on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:08 PM | link
The forecast for snow drops somewhat.
... said Dan on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:08 PM | link
The concerts start at SPAC
... said cmm2581 on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:09 PM | link
Valleycats games of course! Nothing beats summer nights in the capital region with fireworks, beer, and Valleycats baseball at the Joe
... said Alex Madeo on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:21 PM | link
When Kurver Kreme opens!
... said BenK. on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:21 PM | link
When my CSA starts!
... said Kelly on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:22 PM | link
Tulip Fest!!
... said Lexi on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:22 PM | link
Parking in Albany! Kidding, sort of.
I suppose mine is pretty simple. Eating outside in the yard on the patio furniture, burger on plate, beer in hand. Hellooooo, summer.
... said Kayla on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:24 PM | link
Flip flops and Memorial Day
... said Melissa on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:26 PM | link
When I cam drive home with the windows down and not freeze.
... said Melissa M on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:27 PM | link
When the mud clears up enough to hike in the Catskills without losing a shoe.
... said teekay on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:30 PM | link
Definitely when Valleycats open...
... said J. Welf on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:31 PM | link
The last day of school! (My wife and I are both teachers.)
... said Kristofer on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:31 PM | link
Kurver Kreme!
... said TEN on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:33 PM | link
Sitting on the sidewalk at Bacchus
... said CAOD on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:37 PM | link
The weather! We've had far too many cold/rainy Memorial Days or Tulip Fests for me to count on those predetermined dates. When I can go a week sleeping without my comforter, and wanting to spend every afternoon on my back deck to enjoy the sun, I know summer has arrived.
... said Valerie on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:39 PM | link
Patio seating opens up everywhere, including my backyard!
... said Kizzi on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:40 PM | link
When final grades are submitted.
... said kells on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:42 PM | link
Awesome, awesome giveaway!!!
The Summer Season kicks off when baseball starts for my eight year old son!
... said Ron on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:42 PM | link
When the NBA and Stanley Cup Playoffs end.
... said John on Jun 9, 2014 at 1:48 PM | link
For me it's my first dip in the pool. That happened to be yesterday at the Great Escape with the 5 year old. I'm sunburned, exhausted and thrilled!
... said Paul C. on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:07 PM | link
Tulip Fest!
... said Kate on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:08 PM | link
When the legislature lets out!
... said will on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:24 PM | link
Getting sliders and a milkshake at Jack's in Wynantskill!
... said Justin on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:34 PM | link
The first Alive at 5
... said Vanessa on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:44 PM | link
I know it is summer when the grill is hot and the pool is still cold and everyone smells like sunscreen!
... said Mary Costelloe on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:51 PM | link
The end of school and open patios at the restaurants and bars
... said Elle on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:54 PM | link
When you can't walk outside in the evening without smelling charcoal and meat on the grill.
... said Trish on Jun 9, 2014 at 2:59 PM | link
Camping!
... said Bob W. on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:10 PM | link
The first swim in the pool.
... said Chuck on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:14 PM | link
Students and faculty go home.
... said Barold on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:19 PM | link
The revving up of lawn mowers up and down the block every Saturday morning.
... said Matt on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:19 PM | link
Fireworks on the 4th
... said Shawn on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:19 PM | link
It might not exactly be when summer starts, but I feel like it's finally here once the patios open at The Point/Juniors/Pour House.
... said bb on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:23 PM | link
Outdoor dining opens up
... said Brian on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:28 PM | link
When Kay's Pizza opens!
... said BMc on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:30 PM | link
To me, summer starts here when the farmers' markets (Troy's Waterfront Market in particular) move outside.
... said Tiffany on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:44 PM | link
When the State Legislature adjourns at end of the month!
... said JF on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:45 PM | link
The smell of food being cooked on the grill lingering throughout the neighborhood... the sound of the ice cream truck making the rounds... and beautiful colorful flowers peeping out amongst the green grass.
... said Kelly on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:48 PM | link
When the free concert series begin and the soft ice cream joints open!
... said Christine on Jun 9, 2014 at 3:55 PM | link
Sitting at an outdoor patio bar, enjoying a pint...
... said Aaron on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:04 PM | link
Summer for me begins when the warm breeze, bright blue sky and the nightime sounds of insects buzzing, awaken my desire to be outside exploring our wonderful part of NY.
... said Michael on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:13 PM | link
Mr Casdah will get his milk crate and start sitting out on 10th Street. He wears a beautiful light brown suit, a red tie with matching hankie, saddle shoes and a loose gold watch that ticks but doesn't tock. He says he was the inspiration for Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing. He's blind now but when its not too hot some nights he will still show us a few of his moves. All the moms want to be Baby Houseman. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner," he likes to say. I wonder at his blindness. When Ronette from 9th street walks down to the Quick-Stop for more beer, he tracks her a block away like a heat-seeking missile. "That girl will be the death of me some day," he gasps taking a nitroglycerin pill, his dark Raybans all fogged up.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:21 PM | link
Going to the food trucks at the capital and finding yourself not wanting to return to your office
... said Michael on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:26 PM | link
The start of Summer begins when I can sit in my yard after the sun goes down and not need a parka :-) This was the perfect weekend to truly begin Summer!
... said Dax on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:30 PM | link
Sundae on the farm is a great kickoff to the summer season. Taking my kids to see the horses & then making your own ice cream sundae's.
... said james on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:37 PM | link
First bike ride to Stewart's with the kids.
... said Brian on Jun 9, 2014 at 4:55 PM | link
The first time it's warm enough to go swimming in the river.
... said matt on Jun 9, 2014 at 5:21 PM | link
Going to Phish at SPAC!
... said Luke on Jun 9, 2014 at 5:58 PM | link
I'm with all those other ice cream lovers - Summer starts when Kurver's opens!
... said capgirl on Jun 9, 2014 at 6:25 PM | link
Kay's Pizza on Burden Lake opening for the season!
... said Carrie on Jun 9, 2014 at 6:59 PM | link
When the kids are out of school.
... said Jon in Albany on Jun 9, 2014 at 7:03 PM | link
The official start of summer is when the air smells like fresh cut lawn, and swimming pools. Nothing better than starting your summer off with a cold drink sitting on the deck at dusk
... said David on Jun 9, 2014 at 8:19 PM | link
Opening day at the track. Second is the 5k race the valley cats have every year. Running it again this weekend!
... said Steven on Jun 9, 2014 at 8:48 PM | link
Several things: the opening of the Pirates Lakeside grill, plants for sale at the Coop, goslings and ducklings getting big, and lots of rain to name a few.
... said Shaun on Jun 9, 2014 at 9:41 PM | link
When the Barge opens.
... said Jennifer on Jun 9, 2014 at 10:57 PM | link
Summer is lawn tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood!
... said Rohan on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:22 PM | link
Waterford Canal Fest
... said Josh on Jun 9, 2014 at 11:23 PM | link
Opening of Jumping Jacks
Even though it's usually cold and nasty out
... said Justin on Jun 10, 2014 at 8:33 AM | link
Alive at 5 begins and then ending a weekday evening at Kurver Kreme
... said Josh K. on Jun 10, 2014 at 8:48 AM | link
Whenever Steve Caporizzo tells me it is Summer.
... said CC on Jun 10, 2014 at 8:50 AM | link
shorts and tee shirts ...
... said newland on Jun 10, 2014 at 9:27 AM | link
When I get the vegetable garden and all the flower beds planted. Usually just before Memorial Day.
... said MikeH on Jun 10, 2014 at 9:32 AM | link
Outdoor dining! We love all of the great patios in the capital district!
... said Laurel on Jun 10, 2014 at 9:53 AM | link
I know it's really summer when I can sit in the stands at the Joe and enjoy ice cream in a helmet and baseball on the field!!
... said Abby on Jun 10, 2014 at 10:18 AM | link
The snyder's lake beach opening!
... said Megan on Jun 10, 2014 at 10:33 AM | link
Seeing the lunch carts arrive at the Capitol.
... said Jon on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:31 AM | link
The beginning of summer is when the ValleyCats season begins of course :)
... said Chris on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:32 AM | link
After SUNY graduates and the campus becomes quiet enough for the graduate students and faculty to get some real research done!
... said Nick on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:37 AM | link
Freihofers Run for Women!
... said Erin on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:38 AM | link
warm nights, flip flops, opening our pool
... said Susan Demers on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:42 AM | link
Picking up my kids on the last day of school, seeing theirs
(as well as the other kids) faces beaming with visions of summer fun as they stream out of the building.
... said Steve on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:47 AM | link
Opening weekend at jacks for sliders and hot dogs!!!!
... said Chris on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:50 AM | link
The beginning of the summer happens once the ice cream stands open!
... said Katie on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:55 AM | link
First visit from Mr Ding-A-Ling
... said Rich on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:02 PM | link
I always mark the start of summer by the first time I see a Water Slide World commercial
... said KTT on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:03 PM | link
School's Out!
... said Michelle on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:04 PM | link
When the Troy Farmer's market moves outside.
... said Sam J on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:17 PM | link
Beer & wings on the back patio at Brown's
... said Brian on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:25 PM | link
The start of summer begins when the farmer's markets move outdoors!
... said Margie C on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:44 PM | link
Tastee Freeze open!
... said Dana Fournier on Jun 10, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
For me is is when my son starts being late to school on a regular basis. Because he stayed up too late the night before, hooting and hollering with the neighbors.
... said lucy on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:05 PM | link
the end of the legislative session
... said Matt on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:29 PM | link
The first full week where I can wear shorts!
... said Matt C on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:48 PM | link
When the college kids go home, and play off hockey starts!
... said Caitlin on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:49 PM | link
When I can start catching walleye all night at the tomhannock res.
... said Christopher Lawrence on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:56 PM | link
A relaxing Father's Day afternoon spent at the Bethlehem Town Pool enjoying the Jazz trio and snack stand French fries!
... said R.D.McD. on Jun 10, 2014 at 2:58 PM | link
When I hear cheering from the nearby Little League field.
... said Rita on Jun 10, 2014 at 3:04 PM | link
Memorial Day parades and parties!
... said BAS on Jun 10, 2014 at 3:32 PM | link
My birthday, and my annual ValleyCats opening day birthday celebration of course. ;-)
... said James Cronen on Jun 10, 2014 at 3:49 PM | link
The enjoyable sounds of motorcycles and the sweet flittering of the mosquitos.
... said Greg Matusic on Jun 10, 2014 at 4:45 PM | link
Summer means me realizing that I need to restock the candles in my secret Valley Cats shrine. Its a glorious circle of bright burning homage to the best baseball player to ever grace the dojo that is the Joe. Catfish. Featuring an autographed very personalized letter from Catfish to me stating "Have a great season. -Catfish". Hell of a guy. While he may be gone, his spirit surely lives on in all of us, cramming beer and hotdogs in our faces as we root on the best team in the history of this great pastime, the Valley Cats. GO CATS!
... said Tj on Jun 10, 2014 at 4:50 PM | link
Valleycats games of course! Nothing beats summer nights in the capital region with fireworks, beer, and Valleycats baseball at the Joe
... said Alex Madeo on Jun 10, 2014 at 6:32 PM | link
Not having to put on a jacket.
... said Jesse on Jun 10, 2014 at 7:45 PM | link
When farmers markets move outdoors!!!
... said Maggie on Jun 10, 2014 at 10:12 PM | link
Spring starts on free cone day at Ben and Jerry's, but Summer officially starts with Art on Lark. This is the first all day summer event where everyone in the neighborhood is out and getting reaquainted and welcoming visitors to Lark Street and the neighborhood.
... said Chris on Jun 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM | link