Saratoga ChowderfestSet for Saturday Feb. 8 New This Year: Broadway Closed to Vehicle Traffic
The 26th annual Chowderfest will take place Feb. 8.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 26th Annual Chowderfest will take place 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The family-friendly event invites attendees to sample 4 oz. servings of chowder for $2 each from more than 70 local establishments across Saratoga County.
In addition to savoring chowder, attendees in downtown Saratoga Springs will be treated to live musical entertainment and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs will be closed to vehicular traffic 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from Lake Avenue to Washington Avenue to prioritize safety and enhance the event experience.
“In light of recent tragic events in New Orleans, the safety and well-being of our community and visitors are our top priorities,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of festival presenter Discover Saratoga. “At the recommendation of city officials, we’re closing Broadway to create a more relaxed and accessible environment for attendees to explore their favorite chowder vendors and activities.”
Last year’s event, which took place Feb. 10, featured 85 vendors, with 116,383 bowls of chowder served, and more than 40,000 people in attendance, according to Discover Saratoga.
Discover Saratoga, known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, serves as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Saratoga County, and is hosting a promotion during Chowderfest: Attendees who download the Discover Saratoga mobile app and check in at participating establishments will earn entries into a drawing for $1,000 in gift cards to Saratoga area businesses and restaurants. The winner will be notified via email after the event. The Discover Saratoga mobile app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play.
Four free shuttles will run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Saratoga Casino Hotel. Exclusive 26th-anniversary merchandise – including long-sleeve shirts ($15 or $17 for XXL), beanies ($10), and reusable spoons ($5) – will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Springs City Center and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center while supplies last.
Vote for your favorite charter online at: www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest/vote, with one vote per device accepted. Voting will close at 4:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
For more information about Chowderfest, including a list of participating locations, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.