Socialite, horse owner, philantropist and Queen of Saratoga Springs, Marylou Whitney, had a starring role July 17 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center before a packed crowd.

Marylou was the first person to be inducted into SPAC's new "Walk of Fame." Dressed head to toe in a spectacular pink suit embellished with a rhinestone bodice, Marylou dabbed her tears as she gracefully walked along the red carpet on the arm of her husband, John Hendrickson, stopping only to give each tiny ballerina a peck on the cheek. A crowd of more than 200 friends and admirers cheered and clapped.

No one deserved the star more than Marylou, who, as Marcia White, SPAC's president and executive, said just prior to unveiling of the star encased in dark pink marble with her name engraved on the star's face.

White explained how Marylou, and her late husband, Sonny, fulfilled their dream along with financial help from several other philantropic members of the community and from the late Gov. Nelson Rockfeller.

Marylou has since invested and raised funds for SPAC. And on that night everyone in the crowd let her know how much they appreciate what she has done for the city of Saratoga Springs and for all the people who come to enjoy the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and dozens of incredible concerts.

As one woman was overheard saying: "She will always be our star."

That says it all.