Spring is here and it’s time to come out of winter hibernation. The Nyack Farmers’ Market moves back outdoors on Thursday, April 6 and SpringFest, the first Nyack street fair of the season is Sunday, April 9.
Nyack Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce…breads, pies, cookies…cheese… grass-fed beef, seafood…honey…eggs…the list of delights goes on as foodies, friends and families welcome the new season at Nyack’s Farmers’ Market., now in its 20th year. After wintering indoors at the Nyack Center, the Market moves back outdoors.
Marking the 20th anniversary, musicians who have shared their talent with the Market over the years — including Jeff Doctorow, Kimberly Hawkey and Jeff Rubin ― will come together on opening day for a special performance.
But entertainment provided by local musicians is not just for special occasions. It’s one of the Market’s weekly features, along with visual artists, nutrition education and lots of fun activities for the kids.
The Market is run by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, and will be open outdoors every Thursday from 8:00am to 2:00pm, rain or shine, through November 30. Free parking is available during Market hours in the Artopee lot adjacent to the Market. Street parking is always free in Nyack until 11:00am.
As the warm season unfolds, Market day will feature fresh harvests from local farms and food producers, as well as specialty goods, artisanal products and a special touch of creativity from Bill Batson, the Market’s artist-in-residence.
“Now in its 20th year, the Nyack Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest markets in the tri-state area,” said Scott Baird, President of the Nyack Chamber. “It has stood the test of time as a great way to boost business, support healthy lifestyles and protect our environment.”
Attracting upwards of 1,000 shoppers every Thursday, the Market’s 29 regular vendors and 12 rotating vendors offer a broad array of local products — including cut flowers; farm fresh/organic fruits and vegetables; free-range eggs; fresh pickles, sauerkraut and olives; fresh baked goods; honey and maple syrup; coffee; gluten-free baked goods; hummus and Middle Eastern delicacies; handmade cheeses; fine local wines…and more. Shoppers can also get their cooking tools up to snuff with help from X-Calibur Knife and Scissor Sharpener.
Nyack Farmers’ Market
Thursday, 8am – 2pm
April through November: outdoors in the Main Street Parking Lot, at Bridge Street
December through March: indoors at Nyack Center, corner South Broadway and Depew
Springfest Street Fair
Winter gives way to spring as Nyack prepares for the Nyack Chamber’s 31st annual SpringFest street fair, set for Sunday, April 9th in the heart of Nyack on Main Street and Broadway from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, rain or shine. Admission is free.
Families and fun-seekers shouldn’t miss this special event, featuring over 300 vendors offering something for everyone ― jewelry, art, photography, collectibles, antiques, quality handmade crafts, unique gifts and much more. Not to mention the great shops and restaurants that will be participating with special offers. The fair also features live entertainment, plus great food, outdoor dining and activities for the kids.
This year’s event is generously sponsored by the Nyack Boat Charter (NBC). Fair-goers can find out about exciting Hudson River sailing and speedboat adventures at NBC’s SpringFest booth.
Also of special interest, kids of all ages can join the circus for a day, taking in Amazing Grace CIRCUS! shows and trying out tightwire walking, silk climbing and juggling with help from the circus performers. The free shows are set for 1:00pm and 3:00pm in Memorial Park.* Popcorn, cotton candy and juggling equipment will be available for purchase to complete the circus experience.
Musical entertainment, organized by event manager Mark Mangan, begins at 11:00 am and continues until 5:00 pm.* Performing live on the Nyack Chamber Stage on Main and Cedar streets:
11:00am Jeff Rubin — acoustic guitarist, formerly of Oingo Boingo
1:30pm Dead Meat — Grateful Dead tribute band
4:00pm Richie Ranno’s All Stars – rock
While grown-ups groove to the music, the fair will offer plenty for the younger set, with kids’ games and bouncy houses in the Main Street parking lot.
Special offerings from local merchants, service providers and not-for-profits will add zest, as well as interesting opportunities for practical shoppers. Shoppers and foodies should look for Nyack Chamber member restaurants and merchants offering enticing “Here All Year” specials aimed at bringing visitors back to explore the many charms of this eclectic village.
“SpringFest is a great tradition in Nyack,” says Scott Baird, President of the Nyack Chamber. “For over 30 years, this fair has marked the beginning of the warm season’s vibrant, outdoor cultural life in Nyack. The fair speaks volumes about our Village: Nyack is a great place to live, work, do business — and have fun.”
“We’re especially pleased to have Nyack Boat Charter as our sponsor this year,” adds Bill Batson, local artist and Marketing Manager for the Chamber. “The history and beauty of the Hudson River are deeply ingrained in the Nyack community. Nyack Boat Charter offers residents and visitors special opportunities to enjoy the river in style.”
