Saratoga Race Course goers don't need to look far to experience homegrown products. Located inside Gate A, at the Top of the Stretch, the Taste NY Pavilion features samples and sales of beverages and foods made in New York.

Pick Six ambassador John Rosebrook is passionate about the vodka he sells – which is created and produced in Saratoga County – and it shows when he interacts with potential customers at the new Taste NY Pavilion.

"This year, we are the official vodka of the track,” said Rosebrook. "The exposure is phenomenal, and it’s amazing how many people, when they try the product, are actually purchasing because we sell right here at the track.”

Saratoga Chocolate Company owner Allison Rose typically sells her sweets at her store on Broadway, but says her booth in the pavilion has allowed her to reach a fresh group of customers.

"The track is a great place to meet people who are not from Saratoga, as well as many local Saratogians,” said Rose. “Having a presence at the track has given us an unprecedented opportunity to get our brand in front of thousands and thousands of people this summer, which is really exciting for us."

Visitors get a taste of products produced across the Empire State, including Northway Brewing from Queensbury and Brotherhood Winery from New York City.

The local owners are making the most of the opportunity to showcase and sell the products they take great pride in.

"I just hope that – well, first off, you're at the track, so I hope you win – but I just hope you just gain something different that you don't see at other tracks,” said Mark Padvaiskas with Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange. “I think Saratoga has a lot to offer, not just as a race track but as a community."

The Pavilion is open from noon-5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon-4 p.m. on Sundays.