Mark Cusano's picks of the day - Monday, August 15th

All races off the turf today.

Ricoriatoa, 3^rd race

Miss Vindictive, 4^th race

11th Annual Steak & Lobster Fest to Benefit Schenectady Day Nursery

Tickets are now on sale for the 11^th annual Schenectady Day Nursery Steak & Lobster Fest set for Thursday, August 18 in Schenectady’s Central Park Picnic Pavilion from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Open Door Book Store, 128 Jay Street, Schenectady or by calling Mary Holloway at 518.374.3092.

The event includes a choice of grilled 14 oz. steak or steamed 1 ¼ lb. lobster dinner including potatoes, corn, coleslaw, roll, beverage and dessert for $40. Surf and turf dinners are $65 each. A child’s meal with a hot dog in a roll, chips, beverage and dessert is $5. Mike and Karen Mantas, proprietors of Mike’s Hot Dogs, are catering the event for the 11^th year.

“Funds raised will be used for much needed renovations and safety upgrades for the Toddler Playground,” said event co-chair and SDN board member, Mary Holloway.

“Upgrading the playground is such a worthy cause,” said Jane Golub, an SDN board member and one of the originators of the Steak & Lobster Fest in 2000. “Children need to get out and play; it establishes good habits for a lifetime. Price Chopper is so pleased to be a sponsor of the Steak & Lobster Fest. “Our suppliers work with the Nursery to minimize their costs so they can maximize the benefit to Schenectady Day Nursery. We are so happy to have been part of this really lovely summer event since inception.”

Traditional music will be provided by strolling musicians Linda Schrade & David Kiphuth from the band “Red Hen.”

Takeout is available. A cash beer and wine bar will be staffed by Rotterdam Sunrise Rotary. The event includes a benefit drawing for scores of gas cards and NYS Lottery “scratch off” tickets donated by the Schenectady Day Nursery Board members.