Troy Waterfront Farmers Market opens summer season Saturday (Times Union)
This story by Kenneth C. Crowe II was published in the Albany Times Union on May 5, 2022.
River Street is packed as the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market begins its Outdoor Market on Saturday May 5, 2018 in Troy, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale/Times Union)
TROY — On Saturday, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market returns to its familiar outdoor location of Monument Square and surrounding downtown streets after the pandemic moved its outdoor location to Riverfront Park.
“For the past two years, I haven’t been able to go anywhere in Troy without someone asking me ‘When will the market be back on the streets?’ Now I can finally make people very happy by telling them we will be back on the streets this spring,” said Steve Ridler, the market’s manager, in a statement.
The outdoor market draws thousands of people from across the Capital Region to downtown Troy from May through October before it moves back indoors. During its outdoor season, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
There are expected to be about 100 farmers and other businesses at the market now that it's back to its usual location instead of being in the park where COVID-19 health safety protocols were in place.
“One thing we heard loud and clear from downtown Troy’s business owners and residents is that our farmers market is essential to the identity of this city. We have one of the best urban settings of any farmers market in the country, and we are excited for you to visit and enjoy Troy,” Ridler said.
In preparation for the opening at Monument Square, the market will feature new vendors, the return of the Makers Market, live music, prepared food, expanded eating areas and community tables. Well-behaved dogs will continue to be permitted in the market area.
Free off-street parking is available at the State Street Parking Garage (at State and River streets); Riverfront Park; the Green Island Bridge parking lots; and the Fifth Avenue Garage (between Broadway and State Street).
