Dancing in the street just part of Harvest Fest

Patrons visit booths during the Upper Union Street Harvest Fest in 2014.

Share on Facebook

Save

On Saturday, at the Upper Union Harvest Fest, you can munch those cider doughnuts and then dance off the calories.

“Our teachers are going to be leading some line dances, and our plan is to get people on the streets dancing. Anybody can jump in,” says Kathy Holtz, owner of Dance Me School of Dance and Character Development at 1613 Union St. in Schenectady.

If the weather cooperates, festival-goers will be doing the “Cotton Eye Joe” and the “Hoedown Throwdown” outdoors right in front of the studio and on the sidewalk.

One teacher will be showing people how to do some Irish line dancing.

Dance Me is just one of dozens of Upper Union Street businesses that will be participating in the 11th annual Harvest Fest, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Union Street from Garner Avenue to Van Antwerp Road.

Upper Union Harvest Fest

WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Union Street in Schenectady from Garner Avenue to Van Antwerp Road

HOW MUCH: Free

MORE INFO: www.upperunionstreet.com

“It’s a nice rounded schedule. We have a little more music this year,” says Maureen Gebert, executive director of the Upper Union BID.

This year’s acts include the Long Bow Trio at Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos, Lecco Morris & Company at Phillips Hardware, Tanager at Gershon’s Deli & Caterers and John McIntosh at Home Style Pizza.

Food will be available inside at restaurants and outside on the sidewalk.

Scotti’s Restaurant and Pizzeria will sell fried dough and Gershon’s will grill bratwurst and burgers on the patio.

There will also be a Gourmet Market Place, with some of the vendors from Schenectady’s Greenmarket, like Electric City Cookie Jar.

Among the activities are photo ops with CARGO, a German shepherd who works as the security dog at Ellis Hospital, and psychic readings by Inca at Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center.

Sondra’s Fine Jewelry will kick off its annual USMC Toys for Tots drive.

For the kiddies, there will be pony rides and baby farm animals.

“We usually get about 4,000 to 5,000 throughout the day,” Gebert says.

Gebert, who has lived in the neighborhood for many years, remembers when Harvest Fest was a small-scale event.

“It’s grown. Everyone is thinking of a reason to go outside.”

Reach Gazette reporter Karen Bjornland at 395-3197, [email protected] or on Twitter @bjorngazette.