Babes in Troyland returns Dec. 9-10
TROY, N.Y. » Troy Flea returns next month for a special two-day indoor winter “clubhouse” holiday market.
Now in its third year, Babes in Troyland fills the Takk House, located at 55 3rd St. in downtown Troy, with more than 20 antique, vintage and crafts vendors from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Admission is $5 for the whole weekend; it had been $5 per day.
“Babes in Troyland is like a mini-popup, old-fashioned department store, where you do all your holiday shopping in one day, get your hair done, taste whiskey, listen to music and have lunch, all under one roof, downtown,” said Kristin Jackson, Troy Flea manager. “It feels like a holiday party in a clubhouse, which is that funky Troy vibe that everyone is enjoying lately.”
Previously a Knights of Columbus building, the Takk House has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind space featuring original architecture, wrapping staircases, two large ballrooms, a former bowling alley and newly renovated restrooms and food-staging facilities. The much-anticipated Franklin Alley Social Club is expected to open sometime in December, and those who attend Babes in Troyland might be able to catch a sneak preview of the club space in the basement level of Takk House.
Items for sale will include candles, clothing, jewelry, original art prints, essential oils, dog apparel, children’s items, vinyl records, housewares, instruments, furniture, books, tools and more. The bazaar will also feature cocktails in the barroom and a beer garden in the main hall, with food all catered by The Ruck; a whiskey tasting by Albany Distilling Co.; a coffee bar by Lost Highway Coffee Co. ; and locally made sweets.
Live entertainment on both days will include a very badly behaving Santa Claus, portrayed by improv artist Peter Delocis — Fleagoers are encouraged to take a selfie with this Santa at their own risk. Elizabethan minstrels from Will Kempe’s Players will also perform as they wander the house throughout the weekend. Will Kempe’s Players is a startup theater community in Troy producing works not only by Shakespeare, but also his contemporaries, in productions that harken back to the Elizabethan era.
There will be face painting for children and adults, while Optimum Exposure Photography will be running a holiday photo booth and can email photos directly to users. Amy Rose of Rose Hair & Healing will be styling and cutting men’s and women’s hair.
“This event exemplifies what Troy Flea is all about,” said Jackson. “It’s a little bit cheeky, but family-friendly.”
Launched in 2015, Troy Flea is a hip outdoor summer/fall market located in Troy’s Riverfront Park that features a rotating slate of more than two-dozen vendors offering high-quality vintage clothes, vinyl records, furniture and housewares, ranging from rustic salvage to high-end mid-century, in addition to items by jewelers, crafters and other artists.
The outdoor market will return next year, with a schedule and location to be announced. Vendors may start applying online in January. For more information, visit http://TroyFlea.com or www.facebook. com/TroyFlea.