SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 24th Annual Chowderfest, one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year, is set to take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Attendees of the fun, family-friendly event will have the opportunity to enjoy 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 at participating Saratoga County establishments and vote for their favorite. Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors.
“Chowderfest is back,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. Discover Saratoga is a coordinator of the event. “We’re excited to return to the original model, a one-day event, which has received very positive feedback from participating locations.”
This year’s event will feature live music at various locations, Dog Lover Rescue’s pet adoption across from the Saratoga City Center and free Death Wish Coffee samples on Caroline Street.
Kids’ activities include Balloon Gal Jenny and face painting by Miss Stacey’s Faces at the Saratoga City Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway will also be at the Saratoga Springs City Center running a model train and hosting a coloring contest for the kids to win free tickets on the train. Other kids’ activities scheduled are drop-in crafts at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, literacy-based programs at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Character Creations by Erin Joyce will be providing face painting at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Take a picture with Chester the Chowda-Bear at Saratoga Candy Company from 12 -2 p.m.
Avoid parking challenges and jump on the free shuttle running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel (Crescent Ave parking lot) to Congress Park. The 3 shuttles will run from 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Official Chowderfest Guides, which include a list of participating chowder vendors and activities, can be picked up at participating locations on the day of the event, including the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Voting will take place online at www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest/vote. Only one vote per device will be accepted and voting closes at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m.
Stay warm during the event with an official Chowderfest beanie ($10) and long-sleeve shirt ($10 or $12 for XXL), which will be sold at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs City Center.
For more information, including a list of participating chowder vendors, visit discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.
