SARATOGA SPRINGS – Celebrate a delicious Saratoga tradition with the 18th Annual Chowderfest, set to take place on Saturday, February 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with over 80 businesses participating this year. Chowderfest is part of Saratoga’s 19th Annual Winterfest, happening February 5 to 14. Over 30,000 people enjoyed Chowderfest last year, and more than 115,000 samples of chowder were served.
Visitors can pick up a ballot from any participating business, taste the chowders, and vote for their favorite. Each sample of chowder is $1 and paid directly to the establishment. Visitors can sample as many different types of chowders at as many locations they would like. After tasting and voting, valid ballots can be turned in to the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and the lobby of The Saratoga Hilton from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or voting can be done online at DiscoverSaratoga.org. Winners will be announced inside the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Visitors can also bring their four-legged family members, as there will be participants serving chowder just for dogs. The popular Dog Chow Down will take place at 1 p.m. at the Saratoga Downtowner Motel on Broadway. Mayor Yepsen’s dog, Sasha, will be there to pick the winning chowder.
Family-friendly events will be happening around town, including the Kid Zone activities at The Saratoga Hilton with free admission. Impressive ice sculptures, sponsored by The Ice Man and Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, will be displayed at the Visitor Center for guests to check out.
For $10 each, Chowderfest attendees can purchase an official long-sleeved Chowderfest T-shirt (2XL size shirts are $12). T-shirts can be purchased at The Saratoga Hilton.
Music will be provided by The Jockey 101.3 at the top of Caroline Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with WEQX providing music from 2 to 4 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., WGNA 107.7 will be at the Saratoga Downtowner Motel Parking Lot, Fly 92.3 will be on Henry Street, Q 103.5 will be outside the Saratoga Springs City Center, and Rewind 105.7 will be inside The Saratoga Hilton at the T-shirt distribution area. Providing all day entertainment at the Visitor Center is DJ Tim from Capital Disc Jockeys, who will be playing music and hosting a photo booth from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free Park and Ride Shuttles are available that run back and forth from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Upstate Transit Shuttles will run from the Wilton Mall at Saratoga at the Park and Ride near Dick's Sporting Goods store to the post office downtown. Shuttles will also run from the Saratoga Casino and Raceway at the Crescent Avenue entrance at the CDTA/MegaBus parking area (look for signs) to Congress Park.
For a list of participating chowder outlets, Winterfest events and further details, visit DiscoverSaratoga.org/Chowderfest or call 518-584-1531.
