Food fests draw crowds, help economy
Garlic, ribs, wine and more.
Food festivals in the Hudson Valley draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. But they're more than just entertainment. Spending — both at and related to events — help the mid-Hudson Valley economy, and the events draw visitors back to the valley for return trips, business and tourism leaders said.
"I think the food events are really great because they introduce people to the bounties of the Hudson Valley," said Lila Pague, owner Winter Sun & Summer Moon boutique in downtown Rhinebeck for 26 years. "I think the Hudson Valley is one of the most important food regions in the country. And to have events that expand people's knowledge of the food in the Hudson Valley is great."
From the garlic festival at Cantine Field in Saugerties to smaller events like a Taste of New Paltz, which highlights local restaurants, the Hudson Valley hosts a number of agricultural and culinary celebrations each year, particularly from spring to fall.
"People travel far for food and beverage events. People are motivated by food. They like the chance to meet the winemakers, the farmers, the distillers, the craft brewers, and knowing where their food/beverages come from and how it is made," said Lydia Higginson, deputy director of Dutchess County Tourism.
While it's difficult to find numbers on how much money goes specifically into food festivals and related spending, county tourism agencies do track visitors' impact on the local economy — and food festivals are a major draw, she said.
Multiple factors bring guests to Dutchess County; however, 50 to 70 percent of people surveyed say fine or local dining is one reason; 18 to 33 percent come because of festival or events; and farmers markets, pick-your-own produce and wineries attract about 20 percent of the county's visitors, said Higginson.
The average visitor spend about $98 for a "daytripper" to $277 for a person who stays overnight, she said.
Across the river, about 40,000 to 45,000 people attend the two-day garlic festival each year and the Hudson Valley RibFest draws close to 10,000 said Rick Remsnyder, director of Ulster County Tourism.
"Visitor's spending in Ulster County is close to $500 million each year," he said.
Rodney Johnson, co-owner of Grand Cru Beer and Cheese Market, which serves craft beer and high-end cheeses in Rhinbeck, said some festivals at the nearby Dutchess County Fairgrounds help business more than others.
"It helps a little bit," he said. "Not all of them, the car show antique motorcycles don't help me at all."
Johnson said it likely depends on the crowd who might be dawn by a particular event. His business gets a bump the Saturday night of the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest because people may stay overnight in Rhinebeck. But Sunday, after the second day of the event, most people are heading home so there's no uptick at the shop.
New Paltz Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Peter Ingellis said it's the chamber's hope, in hosting events like Taste of New Paltz, is that people will stay for the weekend, walk around town, and eat at restaurants — not just on the fairgrounds, during the event.
"They say that they see a bump," he said, of local businesses. "The goal is to have people come to town on possibly Friday or Saturday, and participate in other events that are here, go to the (State University of New York at New Paltz), go to the art studios, eat at some of the restaurants here and then go to our event and have a good time, and maybe stop somewhere else."
Emily Stewart: 845-437-4882; estewart@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @estwrt
Upcoming events
These are a sampling of food events in Dutchess and Ulster counties. Find more on the Journal's events page.
Sept. 13: Dutchess Hops Hoptember
Dutchess County's first commercial hop yard hosts its second Hoptember fest. Local food, farms and music and over 20 brewers, distillers and cideries. 1167 Noxon Road in LaGrange.
Admission: All-inclusive tickets cost $50. Designated driver tickets are $25.
Information: dutchesshops.com
Sept. 14: Taste of New Paltz
New Paltz eateries prepare tasting portions of food and drink, plus live music, at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz.
Admission: $7 in advance or $10 at the gate; plus $2 and $3 "tasting tickets" for food and drink samples.
Information: newpaltzchamber.org
Sept. 20: Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
A celebration of Hudson Valley heritage and a sampling of the state's craft beer and local food, with live entertainment, at the Riverfront Park in Beacon.
Admission: $45 online or $55 at the gate; designated driver tickets are $15 online, $20 at gate
Information: hudsonrivercraftbeerfestival.com
Sept. 27-28: Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties hosts this festival of all things garlic at Cantine Field. Daily adult tickets are $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under free. Advance discount tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors; no discount tickets at the gate.
Information: hvgf.org
Oct. 4: Heart of the Hudson Valley Bounty Festival
Guests sip, taste and learn more about the area's agriculture, attractions, businesses and causes at this benefit for local nonprofits. Cluett Schantz Memorial Park, 1801-1805 Route 9W in Milton. Parking is free.
Information: hvbountyfestival.com
Oct. 12: Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival
Annual family-friendly event with food and music at the Riverfront Park in Beacon.
Admission: Free
Information: beaconsloopclub.org/festivals
Oct. 12: New York State Sheep and Wool Festival
More than just sheep and wool. Also cooking demonstrations, farm-fresh lamb for sale and food vendors.
Admission: $12 at the gate, $10.50 in advance, $18.50 for advance weekend pass. Group discounts available.
Information: sheepandwool.com
Nov. 23: International Pickle Festival
The Rosendale Chamber of Commerce and residents Bill and Cathy Brooks hosts this fun and funky event at the Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Route 32.
Information: 845-658-9649
Nov. 22-23; Dec. 6-7, 13-14: Shawangunk Wine Trail: Wreath Fineries at the Wineries
All 14 of the Shawangunk Wine Trail's wineries will be decorated for the holidays. Guests get a souvenir wine glass and grapevine wreath at their starting winery, then an ornament at each other winery they visit.
Information: shawangunkwinetrail.com
Source: Ulster County Tourism, Dutchess County Tourism
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