TAKE MEOUTTOTHEBALLGAME
Thousands gather in downtown Troy for All-Star FanFest concert
TROY, N.Y.» Thousands gathered on the riverfront in downtown Troy for All-Star FanFest, a free concert event held ahead of the 2017 New York-Penn League All-Star Game.
Baseball and music fans attended the festival Monday night at Troy’s Riverfront Park.
National award-winning country act Eli Young Band and local country rockers Skeeter Creek entertained the crowd at the event, providing the soundtrack for a fun summer night on the Hudson River.
“I think this is awesome. I think it’s a perfect day, a lot of vendors, a lot of food, a lot of beer going, happy people,” said Amanda Killian of Wynantskill, who brought her sister, Amber, who was visiting from Arizona. “I think it’s a great atmosphere.”
Amanda was most excited
to see Eli Young Band perform, along with Skeeter Creek, which she had seen several times before. “I’m here for the music,” she said.
Michelle and Richard Wall of Guilderland were in Troy Monday night to see Eli Young Band as well. It was their first time attending a concert in Riverfront Park. “It’s nice. It’s beautiful by the river,” Michelle, remarking that the park is a spacious venue for the event.
Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski thanked the league for the privilege of hosting the festival and game in Troy for a second time. “Welcome to the great small American city Troy, New York,” she said to the large crowd gathered in Riverfront Park for the All- Star FanFest. “Troy has changed much since 2008, the last time the fan festival and AllStar Game was in Troy,” she said, inviting people to explore and enjoy the city while they’re here.
FanFest also featured an introduction to the players who were in town to compete in the game,
scheduled for 7 p. m. Tuesday at Troy’s Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Some of these athletes were from local team Tri- City ValleyCats.
Dressed in matching Mets gear, Troy resident Nelson Rivera brought his young son, Nelson Jr., a Little League player, to see the professionals up and close.
Sisters Amy Ruhle and Kristina Leuschner of Albany attended the festival and plan to be at the game, as well.
“It’s good to see everybody coming together and having a good time,” Ruhle said between bands Monday.
The next night was sure to be fun as well, the women said. “We’re excited about the All- Star game,” Ruhle said. They had attended others before, but never in Troy.
On Tuesday, more pregame events are planned, including an an All- Star Luncheon in collaboration with the Capital Region Chamber, an autograph signing with players and the Slidin’ Dirty Derby, a home run-hitting contest to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
More information about the NewYork-Penn League All-Star Game in Troy and related events is available online at www.tcvalleycats.com.