Elmont, NY - October 18, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the “Taste NY” Experience will take place at Empire Showcase Day at Belmont Park for the first time on October 19th from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Seventeen New York food and beverage companies will participate in this event that features some of the best New York-bred Thoroughbreds in the state.

“Empire Showcase Day is one of the most popular events at Belmont Park, making it the perfect venue to not only show off New York’s world-class Thoroughbreds, but also the bountiful products that come from our agricultural sector,” Governor Cuomo said. “Taste NY highlights the best foods and beverages that our state has to offer, encouraging New Yorkers and visitors to buy local and support our farmers. Tomorrow, attendees at Belmont Park will have a wide selection of delicious products to sample, and I am sure they will be returning for more after their first taste of New York.”

Empire Showcase Day highlights dozens of New York-bred Thoroughbreds competing in 11 races throughout the day. The day will also feature family entertainment including hay rides, pumpkin carving, face painting and live music. The first race post time is 12:20 p.m.

“Taste NY” products will be featured in the Grandstand at Belmont Park. Participating companies include Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery (Washingtonville); Lieb Cellars (Cutchogue); Platte Clove Naturals (Saugerties); Setton Farms (Commack); StilltheOne Distillery (Port Chester); SavvyBeast Treats (Bloomville); Ospresy’s Dominion Vineyards (Peconic); Tate’s Bake Shop (Southampton); Catskill Distilling Company (Bethel); Lola Granola Bar (Croton Falls); Amrita Health Foods (Hartsdale); Guyank Brand (Woodhaven); Nina’s Fresh Baked (East Northport); Cheeky Monkey Foods (Syracuse); G & K Sweet Foods (Peekskill); City Winery (NYC); and Bearberry Artisanal Baked Goods (Oyster Bay).

“Taste NY is a perfect promotional tool for all seasons because every season brings out the best in New York’s diverse agricultural sector,” said Acting State Agriculture Commissioner James B. Bays. “When you combine first rate New York Thoroughbred racing with first class New York foods, it’s a winning ticket guaranteed to please all visitors at Belmont Park this weekend.”

For more information about “Taste NY,” please visit www.taste.ny.gov.