Crowds of people lined down Saratoga’s sidewalks on Saturday for Chowderfest.
“Chowder is a hearty food, it’s a little chilly so it’s perfect,” Discover Saratoga president Darryl Leggieri said.
Every year, for 26 years, residents and tourists flock to Saratoga Springs to take part in the iconic Chowderfest.
Each restaurant and business put their own unique touch on the northeastern staple.
“Man if I said which chowder I’m looking forward to, that would be bad,” Leggieri said. “I’m looking forward to tasting as many as I can. It’s overwhelming, there’s so many to choose from.”
The options were endless for attendees, but the only catch was you had to wait in some long lines.
But some say the wait was worth it, for the chance to try their favorite chowder.
“Oh absolutely, we are waiting on the lobster chowder right now, so this is probably the longest line we’ll have,” Matthew Hallock said.
While some traveled from just a few miles away to taste test these recipes, others made a larger commitment to this year's chowder fest.
“Today is my birthday, so I came up from Long Island to Chowderfest today because this event is great,” Matthew Distefano said.
While this event is focused mainly on the food, it is also a huge opportunity for businesses to connect with the community, especially after COVID postponed the event in previous years.
“It’s a lot of fun, you know,” Adelphi Hotel director of restaurants Patrick Toomey said. “We haven’t had it in a couple [of] years because of COVID, so it’s nice to see it back, and have the energy downtown. [It’s nice to] have a few hundred people in line waiting for some chowder and bacon.”
With crowds gathering and local businesses thriving, organizers say it finally feels like Downtown Saratoga is back
“It’s been a long couple years, and to be out walking the streets outside with your friends, with your families, making memories out here,” Leggieri said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s so nice to be getting back to that again.”