Saratoga Rowing Association Hoe Down - Row Down     On Saturday November 3rd, 2007, Saratoga Rowing Association did something they had never done before.  In celebration of the construction progress and fundraising efforts to complete phase 3 of the SRA community boathouse they hosted a true country western Hoe Down.   As guests arrived they were amazed by a 10’ bucking bronco flanked by 2 SRA oars.  The Varsity rowers greeted the guests and welcomed them to the hoe-down. Many were dressed in fine cowboy and cowgirl attire. A wonderful Texan barbeque was provided by Jake’s Round-Up of South Glens Falls. The boathouse and tent were transformed into an amazing western theme with saddles and split rail fences as well as all kinds of western themed decorations. The tables with lined with bandana and cow print tablecloths and accompanied with adorable centerpieces of chili pepper plants wrapped in bandana’s and a cowboy hat hanging from the steel centerpiece. Music by the Stony Creek Band filled the tent and dancing which went far into the night.  Another bright spot was the old time photo booth donated by Saratoga Photobooth Company that had a long line of people waiting to get in for most of the evening. Co- Chairs Nancy Bambara and Michele Brown were very pleased with the amount of support the event received. The evening had a special twist, unveiling beautiful signs dedicating two of the boathouse bays. The center bay was named “Belmonte Bay” in recognition of the land donation Peter Belmonte of Belmonte Construction gave to SRA 4 years ago which allowed them to begin the planning of building the boathouse. The second sign “Frost Bay” went to Tom Frost of Frost Architecture who graciously gave his architectural talents to SRA and designed a perfectly fitting and gorgeous boathouse. Tom Frost has also been a long time supporter and advocate of SRA. It seems fitting that these two people’s legacy will live on within the organization.  The auction was a delight and auctioneer Dennis deJoghne had the entire party in hysterics as he came riding a blowup horse. A group of master lady rowers were bidding fast and furiously for the Girls Night Out package for 10 lucky ladies who would benefit from a professional Chanel makeover donated from the Staff of the Chanel counter at Macy’s in Albany and a limousine ride provided by Classic Valet to Chianti II Ristorante for a 4 course dinner including wine. Later the action revolved around a custom finished wooden racing shell that was expertly refinished and converted into a beautiful glass topped cocktail table by Colin Walsh, a member of the Varsity Boys team.  A week in Maine went for a steal and a mid week stay at Sugarbush Resort was snatched up. A beautiful diamond pendant necklace donated by Dennis DeJonghe will be a beautiful Christmas gift for a lucky lady.   The event raised almost $30.000 of the $110,000 left in construction fees.      SRA Board Honors Tom Frost