AOA9 birthday drawing: The Hill at Muza, Troy Music Hall, Bilinski's
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
It's AOA's birthday week -- and you get the presents!
In today's prize basket...
The Hill at Muza
The Hill at Muza in Troy is celebrating Dyngus Day April 17. So this prize includes:
+ A Dyngus Day jacket -- a red "Enjoy Troyski" track jacket with white stripes
+ A private tasting of The Hill's spring wine menu plus food tastings with its wine director. (Can be used anytime with reservation made ahead.)
+ $100 in "Hill Tickets" (a gift certificate that can be used anytime)
Troy Music Hall
+ Two tickets to see Citizen Cope at Troy Music Hall April 21. (Tickets are $36 and $46.)
Bilinksi's
A bunch of products from Cohoes-based Bilinski's:
+ Bilinski's All Natural Spinach & Garlic Chicken Sausage - 2 packages
+ Bilinski's All Natural Mild Italian Chicken Sausage - 2 packages
+ Bilinski's All Natural Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Sausage - 1 package
+ Bilinski's All Natural Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage - 1 package
+ Bilinski's Carrot Quinoa Ginger Chicken Sausage- 1 package
+ Bilinski's Apricot Chickpea Chicken Sausage - 1 packages
CDTA Navigator card
And, as with every AOA birthday drawing this week, the prize pack also includes a CDTA Navigator card pre-filled with $20.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
If you could make up any Capital Region holiday, what would it be?
It could be the Feast of John Boyd Thacher. It could be Mini Hot Dog Day. It could be whatever. You can interpret this pretty much however you want. Be creative.
We'll draw one winner at random. That person gets the whole basket of prizes.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 1 pm on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 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 5 pm on Tuesday and must respond by 5 pm on Wednesday.
Citizen Cope photo: Danny Clinch + Michael Sterling Eaton
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Comments
August 23rd, Wellington Day - When neighbors come together to celebrate the future of the Capital Region by watching a local eyesore get demolished! ;)
... said Paul on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:00 PM | link
Bring back Pinksterfest. It's got Regional history and multicultural aspects. Sounded like it was quite a good time with that special brew and all. The pre-sanitized local rites of spring.
... said Chris on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:01 PM | link
First day Snowman opens!
... said Melissa Bromley on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:03 PM | link
I'd create a Block Party day, where neighborhoods in towns and cities all over the capital district hold block parties!
... said zas1214 on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:04 PM | link
'Ok, you try it", day. This would be a Capitaland hoilday where all members of the NYS legislature are forced to come to town on a train or plane and actually hail a Taxi to get where they want to go.
... said Fuddly on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:07 PM | link
Patio Drinking Day! To be celebrated on the nicest day of the summer with drinks on all the bar patios that Albany has to offer.
... said C on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:11 PM | link
Unfrozen Day: a holiday celebrating the first time it's both sunny and warm enough to outside without your winter coat, spent wandering parks, trails, and sidewalks with frequent stops for refreshments, traditionally lemonade, craft brews, iced coffee, and local soft-serve ice cream. The date varies between March and April and is based on a complex algorithm taking into consideration seasonal snowfall and temperature predictions for a 6 week period.
... said Kizzi Casale on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:18 PM | link
Meet your farmer day
... said Jennifer m on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:20 PM | link
Homebrew Day. Small time brewers set up in Lincoln park to share their creations.
... said Casey on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:23 PM | link
Hudson River Day: Events in multiple locations along the Hudson in the Capital Region (and potentially beyond) including gathering of boats on the river, chartered trips and/or ferry between sites, and events going on around the dock areas.
... said Matt on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:27 PM | link
Dec 17th Joseph Henry's birthday. In honor of the inventor of the electromagnet. An opportunity to encourage students in STEM all over the region.
... said Rick on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:30 PM | link
"1st Annual Capital District Mini-Hot Dog Day" :)
... said Megan on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:35 PM | link
Political Corruption Day - a day to celebrate all of NYS's beloved politicians throughout history! The highlight of the event can be a huge party on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion (because what else is that vacant building good for).
... said Alex on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:39 PM | link
An Ironweed Halloween
Take a nightly stroll of the Albany areas mentioned in the Kennedy novel (Lark St, Pearl St, Broadway) that Francis travels to - getting a "drink" along the way concluding at the cemetery - historical, spooky, and boozy
... said Josh K on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:41 PM | link
Small-bany Day! A day dedicated to our favorite small city (where everyone knows everyone). This street fest would have food vendors and bars prepared with miniature food and drink samplings for $1/piece (think chowderfest style).
... said Codie on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:48 PM | link
Summer festival with bands all day along with food vendors
... said Sue H on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:52 PM | link
Migration day! Where all the spring birds flock back to the capital region after the cold winter.
... said Jessica on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:56 PM | link
Similar to the posting for Pinksterfest returning, but different. May Day focusing on Spring Rituals - Morris Dancing at Moses in the park and then throughout the community. May Poles and other fun, traditional events. To be held on May 1st every year. By the way, Pokingbrook Morris does dance out on May 1st every year at Moses, to Welcome in the Spring, at 6:30 a.m.
... said Harriet on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:58 PM | link
Open On Mondays Holiday!
Where our fav restaurants (who are always closed on Mondays) stay open on Mondays -- for a whole month!
... said James B on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:58 PM | link
Cider Doughnut Day.
... said Katie on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:05 PM | link
Grilled corn day - we already celebrate it at my house! It's the first day that Gem Buffalo Farms has corn at their farm stand, best corn around!
... said Kate on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:07 PM | link
The Rest of Us Day - Where we can all celebrate the amazing things that aren't located in Albany, Schenectady and Troy!
... said Sue B on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:07 PM | link
apple cider donut day
... said daf on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:08 PM | link
PAWlbany Day. A day where commercial establishments become dog friendly, allowing you to go out on the town (shopping, dining, drinking, etc) with your best friend in tow.
... said Dave on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:10 PM | link
"Winter is Coming" day. Celebrate all of the exciting things that come with winter, to reframe the discussion :)
... said Katie on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:11 PM | link
A true region-wide snow day, on the first day of winter with significant snow fall (more than 4-5 inches, let's say.) All - and I mean all - non-essential services, shopping, recreation, business, schools, etc would shut down, non-emergency travel would be banned, and real life would be paused for 24 hours. If we have to tolerate 180 days of winter (or what feels like it, anyway) the least we can do is enjoy it for just one.
... said s on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:16 PM | link
Bust Out Day - the first warm and sunny saturday in the spring. Based on the weather forcast, the Mayor will declare Bust Out Day. Everyone will wear shorts and go outside to special events around the city. Patio bars, parties in the parks, biking or just sitting on your stoop. Woo Hoo
... said LZQ on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:17 PM | link
Egg Day! Everyone gathers on the plaza and enjoys performance art and the egg as a backdrop. In tradition, you can egg your favorite NYS representative to raise money for charity or get your face drawn on an egg and other fair type accoutrements.
... said Tiffany on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:30 PM | link
Pumpkin festival to out do Keane, NH
... said Kelly on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:30 PM | link
Where I grew up in western mass one of the local colleges had "mountain day" where they had the day off from classes with the idea they do something outside. Since I work in a basement I would love a mountain day type holiday, or a "it's too nice to be in this basement" holiday where we could get a day off and enjoy the weather. Maybe it could be like a get out of jail free card, the person can play it anytime to get out of work. Whether it's to just lay in the park reading, going camping or boating, or just enjoying a nice meal or beverage on a patio. That would be a great holiday since there's always a way to enjoy nice weather around here.
... said Alex on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:35 PM | link
Most of my friends celebrate Tulip Fest Saturday like a holiday, and I think it should be an actual observed holiday in Albany. It's the kickoff to summer in Albany, when the long, cold winter begins is finally thawed out and you can fully enjoy all of the great things the Capital Region has to offer.
... said C. on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:44 PM | link
HudsonFest! Plenty of activities, food and drinks on the banks of (and floating on?) the Hudson.
... said Andrew on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:58 PM | link
The Cracked Egg holiday! To be held during the first day that feels like spring (so anywhere between February and April) where Capital District residents party down in and around The Egg to music, whilst feasting on local food (Bombers, El Loco) and beverages (Nine Pin, Druthers, you get the idea).
... said Jeff on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:01 PM | link
I think someone already took it but - Smallbany day- little pockets of people coming together and getting reacquainted with old friends or bonding over shared friends.
... said Sarah on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:04 PM | link
Capital Region and beyond, should be a "ReAdjustment Day" and not have work or school the day after we change the clocks!
... said Graceful J on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:05 PM | link
Traffic Signal Observation Day - pretty self-explanatory; completely fantastical.
... said Ed on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:05 PM | link
Dog Poop Day, where all the mess goes back to the pets' owners. Followed by city-wide community clean-ups. Probably around the dog days of Summer.
... said ra on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:10 PM | link
While I love and enjoy all the different types of cultural festivals throughout the spring and summer, there is part of me that would want a Festa Day. You know one where each church/organization has an area and we have like the ultimate Italian food showdown.Suburb organizations, city organizations, all in one spot.
Would it be slightly weird? Yes, but isn't that the best thing about Albany?
... said Hollie Miller on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:18 PM | link
I love July 22 as Albany Charter Day
but I would love a big regional festival of the first day of sweet corn
... said jlarson on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:24 PM | link
Smalbany Criterium Day - The imaginary day where there's a cycling race organized through the City of Albany with laps taking competitors through Washington Park, Center Square and the Empire State Plaza. Heckling/cheering/cookouts/beverages are mandatory.
... said GJ on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:32 PM | link
Livery Day: A day on which we celebrate an imagined future in which passable cab service comes to the region.
... said Pat on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:40 PM | link
AllOverAlbany Day!!!!
... said Ron on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:41 PM | link
TulipFest, to me that is the big start of all the Capital Region outside events and should be treated as a holiday.
... said Shawn on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:53 PM | link
Love the Empire State Plaza Day.
... said k on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:04 PM | link
Walk in my shoes Day-
Where all our elected officials have to spend a day in the life of capital region voters. Travel their commute, go to their job, drop kids at school, arrange for elder care, attend teacher meeting at school, drive kids to practice, spend a day in a wheelchair, commute back and forth on the bus.
... said Donna on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:07 PM | link
April 3 is Tri-State Area Day
All things good in the Tri-State Area!
... said Rich on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:13 PM | link
Lock 7 day to be celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month.
... said su on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:33 PM | link
Charles Steinmetz Day on his birthday
... said Christine on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:44 PM | link
Hudson Valley Helps - a day dedicated to volunteering!
... said Leanne on Apr 3, 2017 at 5:41 PM | link
It would be lovely to have a street clean up each spring, once the weather is warm, blocks could close for a day and host a community picnic, street clean up and planting in their various green spaces. "Neighborhood Day!"
... said Noelle on Apr 3, 2017 at 5:49 PM | link
egg fest
... said jo jo on Apr 3, 2017 at 6:15 PM | link
Adopt a Senior Citizen Day - Many seniors live alone, don't have contact with family members to help care for them, who live nearby, are struggling to survive on fixed incomes and don't have a means of transportation. They depend on the generosity of others and those who donate to food pantries for basic necessities.
Birthdays and holidays are just another lonely day. If you reach out to connect with others, you may get an invitation to a holiday dinner or party.
Family and friends are nice to have, but they are busy working, providing for family and caring for children or grandchildren.
It would be nice to feel as if you are special to someone, even if it is just a phone call from time to time. Imagine what a day away could do; going shopping, getting you hair done, having lunch, seeing a move, celebrating a birthday...
I know this is past the deadline, but thank you for listening.
... said Paula Hebert on Apr 3, 2017 at 6:51 PM | link
Lakes and Rivers Day. There are so many beautiful ones in this region! This might encourage people to visit a new one.
... said Sandra Hutchison on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:40 PM | link
Grown Up Egg Hunt Day throughout the land!
... said Danielle Sanzone on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:42 PM | link
Nipper Day, we could celebrate all the dogs of area both real and fictional.
... said Jim Murray on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:45 PM | link
Break the EGG day
... said Kevin K on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:50 PM | link
I would have the "Farmers Markets Celebration Day"!! I just LOVE farmer's markets in our Capital Region! They all are diverse and have unique vibes. Truly something for everyone... and it's AlL LOCAL.... for the local, by the local!
... said Sam on Apr 3, 2017 at 8:03 PM | link
Capital Region Fish Fry day! To celebrate one of the trademarks of upstate New York cuisine!! Great way to kick of SPRING!
... said Megan McLoughlin on Apr 3, 2017 at 8:34 PM | link
No construction day. That's when you can drive anywhere, anytime in the CD without worry of slowing down for pothole repairs and the like. Magic holiday!
... said chris on Apr 3, 2017 at 8:52 PM | link
Hooray we have a State Budget Day
... said Elaine Wieczorek on Apr 3, 2017 at 9:20 PM | link
Albany meets the burbs. A day in the spring celebrating the many great surrounding suburbs where there will be block parties highlighting the local food/beverages/art.
... said Vanessa on Apr 3, 2017 at 9:23 PM | link
Make your local favorites day - local restaurants run cooking classes teaching how to make one of their popular dishes
... said lib on Apr 3, 2017 at 9:34 PM | link
Tulip Fest day! It's the closest thing we have to a local holiday.
... said Megan m on Apr 3, 2017 at 9:47 PM | link
Smallbanyfest - a party on Lark or Pearl where everyone looks familiar and worked with you one/is your friend's cousin/was your neighbor two years ago.
... said Jenna on Apr 3, 2017 at 10:45 PM | link
Apple Cider Donut Day!!
... said Caroline on Apr 4, 2017 at 3:38 AM | link
Albany tanning day in honor of Jerry Jennings
... said Marshall on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:12 AM | link
Walk the Trail Day. The Capital Region has so many great little parks and nature preserves and trails. They are right around every corner and few people know about them.
... said Jenny on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:19 AM | link
Dog Day!
... said Marissa on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:29 AM | link
The holiest of all holidays -- First Bite Out. The first day of the year where it's warm enough to have your meal and drinks outdoors.
... said Nicole on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:37 AM | link
How about a Capital Region Retirement Day!! Plenty of dedicated Capital Region individuals living and loving this area.
... said Pete on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:38 AM | link
I'd enjoy a Cider Day! We could close down the block that Nine Pin is on for a party. Any excuse to drink delicious hard cider is fine with me.
... said Tara on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:40 AM | link
Local Brewery Day, celebrated at all of our great local breweries, including IFLCB!
... said Erin on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:50 AM | link
Capital Craft Beverage Day! A day to celebrate all of the local breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
... said km on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:53 AM | link
South Troy vs The World Day- Denizens of South Troy and their supporters annex West Troy (Watervliet) and other areas of the Capital District for a day through the strategic use of cones, chairs, and old card tables. All non-Defazio's pizza is banned within the perimeter of these colonies and bocce ball tournaments will be held with the victor receiving a parcel of vacant city owned land. Nature's provides the beer, whether you like it or not.
... said Cmaxby on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:03 AM | link
The Feast of the Egg!
... said Katie on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:06 AM | link
International Street Food Day, yum!
... said Pamela on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:09 AM | link
Make Art on Lark an official holiday.
... said Katy on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:21 AM | link
There should be a neighbor day. You would go out and talk to all those neighbors you see but never really know.
... said katya on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:31 AM | link
Serenity Day. The day all the college students depart for the summer.
... said -R. on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:49 AM | link
"Pimp Your Stoop!" Day
Let's go wild with the stoop decor and themes!
... said Tess Lecuyer on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:53 AM | link
How about a pair of holidays? Love your neighborhood/city day and Love the city next door day! The first as an opportunity to clean up a favorite park, support a local business, or have a festival to celebrate your community. To the second - I'm always struck by how vibrant the region is and how many wonderful places there are to explore - but also how I tend to stay close to home most of the time. We could all benefit from a little push to find new favorite spots in the region.
... said Jennifer on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:09 AM | link
Ice-out Day. When the ice is off the lakes and spring is in the air. Time to rejoice!
... said Fisher on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:19 AM | link
Albany BBQ Day, everyone sets up a tailgate style BBQ in the park and shares food.
... said Ben on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:26 AM | link
Localvore Day- everyone in the Capital Region makes an effort to eat 3 meals consisting only of products grown/produced in the Capital Region. Ideally done in conjunction with farmer's markets and promotions run by local businesses.
... said Tabitha on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:33 AM | link
My Capital Region holiday would be Nipper Day; July 10th. The day that the trademark was registered by Berliner for use in the United States
... said Debi on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:42 AM | link
Arbitrary as it is, the Celebration of Spending Time Outdoors Again.
Preferably held on a weekend between the end of snowy weather, and that in between winter/spring rainy mess. Aiming to spend the day outside traveling your neighborhood on foot. Enjoying the weather and exploring something that might have popped up during the winter that you may not have known about.
... said Nick on Apr 4, 2017 at 10:44 AM | link
The End of Winter. We all celebrate informally, but I think it deserves a special, region-wide day of thanks.
... said Ann on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:15 AM | link
Jumpin' Jacks day! We all get the day off to go stand in line for some soft serve and Jack burgers!
... said Megan on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:21 AM | link
518 Love Thy Neighbor Day/Hands Across Cap Region Day -
On May 18th, at 5:18pm - Everyone in the 518 is encouraged to stand outside their homes (rented or owned doesn't matter) and hold hands/ shakes hands etc with their neighbors. All are encouraged to throw small block parties, with cook outs, garage sales, etc. A chance for everyone to get to know each-other and bring back the old neighborhood bonds of the past. Unity in the Community if you will. Also, a fond farewell to the 518 area code as we get ready to welcome our 2nd area code, 838.
... said WW on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:38 AM | link
Shades of Autumn Day - on a weekend mid to late October to celebrate the gorgeous foliage of upstate NY.
... said llcwine on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:43 AM | link
Capital District Walk In The Park Day! Stroll through the wonderful parks throughout the cap district for an afternoon.
... said Greg Ryan on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:51 AM | link
Let's have a holiday to celebrate the four seasons. We see them all here. Some (Winter) more than others.
... said Nick on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:53 AM | link
Soft Ice Cream Day -- the true start of spring, when you can stand in 30 degree weather and eat soft serve at your favorite local places.
... said Sara on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:54 AM | link
The "real first day of spring" take a nice hike then go get greasy fried food/ice cream at your local (now opened) ice cream stand!!
... said Amelia on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:02 PM | link
Albany Brunch Crawl Day - All your favorite brunch spots open their doors and offer new brunch meals to try before adding to their menu. Buy a pass, rate the food! As easy as ABCD!
... said KM on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:02 PM | link
NipperDay!
... said Ryan on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:17 PM | link
State Street Day! Close all of State Street for a day and have a huge block party.
... said Brad on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:30 PM | link
Service Day- to promote community service within Albany!
... said Elizabeth Sweet on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:32 PM | link
Celebrate the 518 day
... said Bee on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:35 PM | link
NipperDay
The official dog of Albany.
Set up on the river between Troy Menands bridge and Boat launch. Much like the Tulip Fest BUT with a dog theme
... said Mike on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:44 PM | link
Fountain Day. Let's bring it back, folks
... said Melinda on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:47 PM | link
Empire State Plaza Day.
Love it or hate it, the ESP is a big deal. It has given us our glorious Egg, ridiculous wind tunnels around brutalist buildings, and houses the beautiful empire state art collection.
Sure there are events on the Plaza in the summer but this could be more than just a place to buy a huge lemonade.
... said AB on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:54 PM | link
Effective Altruism Day
... said Lee on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:56 PM | link
Neighbors Day - meet your neighbors
... said AH on Apr 4, 2017 at 12:59 PM | link
Election Weekend, not just one day
... said Hilton on Apr 4, 2017 at 1:01 PM | link
September 3rd.
The Feast of St. Nedrius.
A day for all citizens to be outside with loved ones, enjoying hoppy beverages and smoked meats.
... said Ned on Apr 4, 2017 at 1:28 PM | link
Picnic in the park day! Celebrate our beautiful parks around the region, while learning something new about the people around you.
... said Laura Perfetti on Apr 4, 2017 at 1:49 PM | link
Picnic in the park day! Celebrate our beautiful parks around the region, while learning something new about the people around you.
... said Laura Perfetti on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:53 PM | link