Collar City to celebrate Hudson River

TROY, N.Y. » The Collar City is celebrating its spot on the Hudson this weekend with the 14th annual Troy River Fest.

With the Hudson River as a significant part of Troy’s history, River Fest is an organic, grassroots fest designed to mimic the flow of the river by encouraging visitors to ramble throughout the streets of downtown Troy.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday throughout Troy’s scenic downtown district, showcasing carefully curated, locally crafted handmade goods and local cuisine in an open-air bazaar.

The streets will host family-friendly entertainment and more than 60 craft, art and food vendors, in addition to Troy’s shops, restaurants and historic venues.

This event typically attracts thousands of visitors to Monument Square for music, food, art, crafts and more. Visitors can enjoy everything from face painting, fresh-pressed lemonade and spiedes, to afro-jazz/ funk/soul music. Event-goers will also have the opportunity to learn from local organizations and participate in the annual street painting competition offered through the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Professional and amateur artist of all ages can design on the sidewalks of River Street. All artwork will be judged by a panel of jurors and prizes will be awarded in each age category. Registration fee is $15.00 and includes one set of chalk.

Musical performances, to take place on the main stage on River Street between

State Street and Congress Street, will include local acts Small Town Cinema, Mother Judge, Tom McWatters, Kimono Dragons and Victory Soul Orchestra.

Additionally, there will be entertainment by DJ Intell Hayesfield and DJ Jennifer Haley at Monument Square.

For the children, activities like chalk drawing and a bounce house and fun with the Troy Boys & Girls Club will be available all day, along with programs by Ragliacci Rags and The Magic & Illusions of Jeggrey Jene.

“Troy River Fest expands upon the growing energy of Downtown Troy, with an open-air bazaar attracting guests to this historic walkable city.” said Katie Hammon, executive director of the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District. “The thoughtfully curated festival offers locally crafted, handmade goods and local cuisine, live music, and family friendly entertainment, situated among downtown retailers and restaurants. River Fest encourages visitors to explore downtown Troy, to visit the vendors, enjoy a bit to eat, and wander through the eclectic shops which makeup our bustling downtown business community.”

For more information about downtown Troy, River Fest and other upcoming events visit DowntownTroy.org.