Walkway Over the Hudson and Hudson Valley Rail Trail Hosting Mayfest Essential Farmers and Makers Market to Celebrate Hudson Valley Products on May 8 and 9
Area farms and specially curated local products will showcase alongside food and drink purveyors at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and Hudson Valley Rail Trail
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (March 31, 2021) – The Mayfest Essential Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers - farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more - to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9 from 12-5 p.m. Vendors will exhibit their wares for tasting or purchase, allowing participants to support several local agribusinesses in one location. For complete information, tickets, and a list of participants, visit walkway.org/mayfest.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Walkway Over the Hudson for Mayfest, a natural springtime extension of our popular Walktoberfest event held in the fall,” said Elizabeth Waldstein, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway. “So many of the small businesses that are participating have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we look forward to supporting our local farmers and makers throughout the weekend.”
With more than 80 vendors socially distanced throughout the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway’s Ulster Welcome Center Plaza (87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY, 12528), Mayfest features not only farm-fresh products, food from local restaurants, and beer, wine and spirits samples in a designated tasting area, but also art installations, locally made goods, a special area for children’s activities, and more. All proceeds from Mayfest benefit the Friends of the Walkway and Hudson Valley Rail Trail, who have partnered to present this farmers market.
Tasting tickets are available now for $25 at walkway.org/mayfest and include full access to wine, beer, spirits, and cider samples from more than 20 area purveyors. Walkway members, veterans, active-duty military, and senior citizens (65+) receive discounted admission. General admission to Mayfest (excluding the tasting area) is free.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, all moms attending Mayfest will receive a complimentary flower courtesy of Tompkins Mahopac Bank. Kids will be able to pose for pictures with their favorite superheroes and Disney princesses thanks to Basch and Keegan. Adults can enjoy a refreshing cocktail at The Yard Bar featuring 1857 Spirits, and everyone can meet New Paltz’s own Laila Mach, a contestant on the current season of American Idol. Two By Two Petting Zoo will bring their furry friends to Mayfest on Sunday.
The Mayfest Essential Farmers and Makers Market is sponsored by Basch and Keegan, Benmarl Winery, Chestnut Market, Clifton Park Rentals, Guardian Self Storage, Hudson Whiskey NY, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week/The Valley Table, Nuvance Health, Taste NY, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Twenty21 Solutions, Quality Bus Service, PDA Kinetic Sculptures, Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST, The Yard Bar, Hops on the Hudson, Apollo Heating and Cooling, Total Cleanups with Sal Sorbello, Two By Two Zoo, DroninAllDay, Lillie Rae in the Hamlet, Hudson Harvest/Field Goods, and Devine Insurance.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail will remain open and accessible at no cost as usual throughout Mayfest. Tickets are only required for access to the Mayfest tasting area. Parking is available at no cost in the Walkway Over the Hudson Town of Lloyd Lot (87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY 12528) and the Hannaford Plaza Parking Lot (3650 Route 9W, Highland, NY 12528). There is a complimentary shuttle running on a continuous loop from the Hannaford Lot (near Tractor Supply) to Mayfest. Access to the shuttle is free.
The well-being of our guests, volunteers, and vendors is our top priority. Mayfest is planned in full compliance with current New York State mandates for safety. Vendors will be appropriately distanced throughout a wide, open area. All attendees are required to wear a face covering except when sampling. Tickets are limited to discourage large gatherings of people and entry for walk-up admission may be delayed if Mayfest reaches capacity. Traffic flow will be controlled where necessary. All seating areas and the children’s activity area are set up for social distancing. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the space.
Additional vendor space and sponsorship opportunities are available.For more information, contact Jami Anson at 845-454-9649.
About Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Connecting the City of Poughkeepsie and the Hamlet of Highland in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a renowned tourism and recreation destination visited by 600,000 people each year. Standing 212 feet above the river's surface and more than 6,700 feet (1.28 miles) long, the Walkway is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park provides unique access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting. For more information, visit walkway.org.
About Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson
Supported by a diverse coalition of members, donors, and corporate sponsors, the Friends of the Walkway organization is responsible for raising funds to enhance the Walkway experience, support capital improvements, and deliver innovative events that engage Hudson Valley residents and visitors, all contributing to the vitality of the region. Additional programs and activities supported by the Friends of the Walkway include the volunteer Ambassador program, Walkway tours and interpretative signage in the park, providing accurate and important information to visitors via the Walkway’s website and social media channels, the Walkway’s membership and merchandise programs, and much more. To learn more about how your support can improve the Walkway Over the Hudson and support the Hudson Valley, visit walkway.org.
About Hudson Valley Rail Trail
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating, maintaining, promoting, and improving the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland, New York. To learn more and support, visit hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net.