Celebrating the bounty of the Hudson Valley, Walking the Hudson and Hudson Valley Trail hosts two-day Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd

Local farms and specially curated local products will be showcased along with food

and drink tastings at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

and Hudson Valley Rail Trail

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 7, 2022) – The Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s best producers, including farms, distilleries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and western approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 from 12-5 pm. Vendors will display their wares for tasting or purchase, allowing attendees to support many local agribusinesses, all in one beautiful location.

“Walktoberfest is always one of the best weekends on the Walkway calendar,” said Diane Haight, interim executive director, Friends of the Walkway. “From the tasting area featuring the Hudson Valley’s best to the dozens of local vendors, live music and special surprises sure to delight, it’s always great to see the community come together to have a great time.”

With more than 190 vendors throughout the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway’s Ulster Welcome Center Plaza (87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY, 12528), Walktoberfest not only offers farm-fresh produce, food from local restaurants, and beer, wine, and spirit samples in a designated tasting area, but also art installations, locally made goods, a special area for children’s activities, live music from 7h 7eam on Saturday and Americana Oak and Tiny Bubble Ukulele on Sunday, and more. All proceeds from Walktoberfest benefit the Friends of the Walkway and Hudson Valley Rail Trail, who have teamed up to host this farmers market.

Walking across the Hudson State Historic Park and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail will remain open and accessible for free as usual throughout Walktoberfest. Admission to Walktoberfest is free, but special tickets are required for access to the Walktoberfest tasting and display area. Tasting tickets are now available for $25 and include full access to wine, beer, spirits and cider samples from more than 20 area purveyors. Must be 21 or older to purchase tickets. Boardwalk members, veterans, military service members and senior citizens (65+) receive discounted admission. Children do not need a ticket to enter the tasting area if accompanied by an adult. Visit walkway.org/walktoberfest to see the current list of participants as well as day of parking information and more.

Kids will pose for photos with their favorite princesses courtesy of The Snooki Shop and with superheroes including Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain America and Spiderman thanks to Starlight Studios. Two By Two Petting Zoo and Parrots for Peace will bring their furry/avian friends to Walktoberfest, and there are three craft areas hosted by Crazy for Art and Lowes of Highland, NY. The Lake Placid 2023/FISU University Games are making their debut at the venue.

The Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market is sponsored by Tompkins Community Bank, The Snooki Shop, Benmarl Winery, Lake Placid 2023, FISU World University Games, Metro North Railroad, Hudson Whiskey NY, Chronogram, Cantele Tents, Guardian Self Storage, iHeart Media, Hops on the Hudson, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week/The Valley Table, Coupe Champagne Bar, Sleep n’ Spa, Taste NY, Quality Bus Service, Radio Woodstock, Barbara Carter Realty, Fox Pest Control, Hops on the Hudson, Groups to Go, WMC Health, Mountain Float Spa, Barbara Carter Century21, Sloop Brewing, Knucklebusters Car Care Center, Total Cleanups with the Sorbello Family, Two By Two Zoo, DroninAllDay, Fox Pest Control, Salisbury Bank, and Devine Insurance.

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 benefit Hudson Valley residents and engage visitors who contribute to the vibrancy of the region. Additional programs and activities supported by the Friends of the Walkway include the volunteer Ambassador program, Walkway tours, interpretive 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 the Hudson Valley, visit walkway.org.

Over Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, which connects the city of Poughkeepsie and the Hamlet of Highland in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, is a popular tourism and recreation destination visited by more than 620,000 people each year. Standing 212 feet above the river’s surface and over 6,700 feet (1.28 miles) long, the Walkway is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park offers unique access to the Hudson River’s breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, walkers, joggers, cyclists and people with disabilities. The park is open daily from 7am to sunset, weather permitting. For more information, visit walkway.org.