Sunshine and smiling faces were in abundance in Saratoga Springs on Sunday morning, June 23rd, as the Walk for Wishes parade started off from the Dr. J. Peter McPartlon Wishing Space at 92 Congress Street. Led by Make-A-Wish President & CEO Jamie Hathaway, Director of Communications & Development Emily Malley, Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works Jason Golub, Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, and Mayor John Safford, the parade included over 200 Make-A-Wish supporters and families in colorful T-shirts, Star Wars characters Chewbacca and Rey from the 501st Legion, musicians, The Albany Firebirds Flames Dance Team and mascot Spike, the Saratoga Mounted Patrol, and even a few fun-loving dogs.

After traveling down Congress Street and looping through Congress Park, the parade arrived at the carousel. Festivities included carousel rides, photo ops in a Star Wars Landspeeder, a Wish Family picnic, a build-your-own-stuffed-animal machine, food trucks from West Ave Chicken & Pizza and Kona Shaved Ice, fun activities provided by The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and live music from Rick Bolton and Jeff Walton.

This family-friendly fundraising event raised more than $60,000 to help provide life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses throughout Northeast New York. Thanks to parade sponsor Pioneer Bank, Stage & Wish Kid Sponsor Upstate Chevrolet Dealers, and Media Sponsor Bill & Carrie Novak.

We’d also like to extend a special thank you to our top five fundraising individuals and teams!