NEWSLETTER
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. – The Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market showcases a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more – at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 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 host this event with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail again this year to support our local Hudson Valley farmers and makers,” said Diane Haight, Interim Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway
With more than 150 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 locally made goods, a special area for children’s activities and more. Local live music performances include: 7he 7eam on Saturday and Americana Oak on Sunday. 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.
Starlight Studios will be returning with their Disney princesses and will be launching superheroes at the event, including Thor, Ironman, Black Panther, Captain America and Spiderman, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Two By Two Petting Zoo will bring their furry friends to Mayfest on Sunday. The children’s area also includes activities from Crazy for Art, Nature’s Impact and Ronald McDonald House.
The Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market is sponsored by Benmarl Winery, Chronogram, Guardian Self Storage, iHeart, Hudson Whiskey NY, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week/The Valley Table, MetroNorth, Nuvance Health, Sleep n’ Spa, Taste NY, Quality Bus Service, Radio Woodstock, Barbara Carter Realty, Hops on the Hudson, Hempire State Growers, Chestnut Market, Knucklebusters Car Care Center, Twenty21 Solutions, Total Cleanups with Sal Sorbello, Two By Two Zoo, Ulster County Glass & Mirror, DroninAllDay, Lilly Rae in the Hamlet, Olive Garden, Salisbury Bank 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. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the space.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Jami Anson at 845-454-9649 or email jami.anson@walkway.org.
About Walkway Over the Hudson
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 nearly 650,000 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. Supported by a diverse coalition of members, donors, and corporate sponsors, the Walkway frequently hosts community events and fundraisers, and 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 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 interpretive signage in the park, providing accurate and important information to visitors via the Walkway’s 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, NY. To learn more and support, visit hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net.
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CONTACT: Maria DiSalvo
845.454.9649 x 101