Business owners and city employees are gearing up for one of Albany’s signature events this weekend: LarkFest.
Tens of thousands are expected to pack Albany’s Lark Street this weekend, between Madison and Washington Avenues. Business owners like August Rosa, who owns the Pint Sized beer bar and co-owns the Post wine bar, say the street fest is a celebration of the city’s diversity.
“There’s anyone from 0 to 80 years old is at this thing, so it just paints a really cool picture of Lark Street and unique a neighborhood it is,” said Rosa.
Running from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the festival in the “village in the city” is hosted by the Lark Street Business Improvement District. More than 120 food vendors, artists, crafters, and others will be participating. Performance stages will be erected on the corners of Spring Street and Madison Avenue. Headlining bands include Boston-based Vundabar and Albany-rooted Prince Daddy & The Hyena.
Rosa says the economy of Lark Street has improved, boding well for the festival.
“The past couple years there’s been a lot of vacant spots. Those vacancies are being filled. We’re seeing more people on the street, in general. I think that’s a trend we’re seeing with the festival as well,” said Rosa.
The Albany Police Department will be on hand to help direct traffic. In addition to Lark Street being closed, Hudson Avenue, Lancaster Street, and State Street between Lark and Willett Street along Washington Park will be closed from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Emergency “No Parking” restrictions will be in place on several other side streets.
Albany Fire Chief Joseph Gregory says the event will be staffed with dedicated paramedics to provide emergency medical assistance, if necessary.
“It is a great event. We encourage people to come out and enjoy themselves. The Albany Fire Department is prepared for any type of incidents that might occur,” said Gregory.
Because temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s this weekend, Gregory is reminding visitors to stay well hydrated and wear loose, light-colored clothing.
“We ask the folks to keep an eye on children, pets, and elderly for signs and symptoms for any type of heat-related symptoms that might show. And to limit or curtail the use of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they are diuretics and they do dehydrate,” said Gregory.
In addition to the festivities on Lark Street, the Washington Park Farmers Market will return on Hudson Avenue between Lark and Willett from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Yoga in the Park will kick off at 9 a.m.
City of Albany traffic restrictions:
Emergency No Parking for September 19, 2019, 8 a.m. until September 23, 2019 at 6 p.m. for “Lark Fest”
- Lancaster Street, both sides from Lark Street west 8 spaces on each side
Emergency No Parking for September 21, 2019, 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. for “Lark Fest”
- Lark Street, both sides from Washington Avenue to Madison Avenue
- Spring Street, both sides from Lark Street east to in front of and opposite #40 Spring Street
- Spring Street, both sides from Lark Street west to in front of and opposite #57 Spring Street
- State Street, both sides from Lark Street east to #341 State Street (north side) and #336 State Street (south side)
- State Street, both sides from Lark Street west to Willett Street (south side) and & 379 State Street (north side)
- Chestnut Street, both sides from Lark Street east to #157 Chestnut St (north side) & #162 Chestnut Street (south side)
- Lancaster Street, both sides from Lark Street to Willett Street
- Lancaster Street, both sides from Lark Street east to #203 Lancaster Street (north side) & #200 Lancaster Street (south side)
- Jay Street, both sides from Lark Street east to #223 Jay Street (north side) & #222 Jay Street (south side)
- Hudson Avenue, both sides from Lark Street west to Willett Street
- Hudson Avenue, both sides from Lark Street east to #337 State Street (north side) and #332 State Street (south side)
- Hamilton Street, both sides from lark Street east to #407 Hamilton Street (north side) & #406 Hamilton Street (south side)
- Madison Avenue, north side from Lark Street east to #395 Madison Avenue; HANDICAP Parking on signs
- Madison Avenue, north side from Lark Street west to Willett Street, write Performer Parking on signs
- Washington Avenue, south side from Lark Street east to #170 Washington Avenue, HANDICAP parking on signs at meter WLDS02-16. Performer parking on signs at parking meter WLDS18-30
Road Closures:
September 21, 2019 from 4 a.m.-10 p.m. the following roadways will be closed for “Lark Festival”
- Lark Street between Washington Avenue and Madison Avenue
- Hudson Avenue between Lark Street and Willett Street
- Lancaster Street between Lark Street and Willett Street
- State Street between Willett Street and Lark Street
The following roadways will be closed to all but local and emergency vehicles for “Lark Festival” from 4 a.m.-10 p.m. on September 21, 2019:
- Spring Street from Dove Street to Henry Johnson Boulevard
- State Street from Lark Street to Dove Street
- Chestnut Street from Lark Street to Dove Street
- Lancaster Street from Dove Street to Lark Street
- Jay Street from Lark Street to Dove Street
- Hudson Avenue from Dove Street to Lark Street
- Hamilton Street from Dove Street to Lark Street
- Willett Street from Madison Avenue to State Street
- State Street from Henry Johnson Boulevard to Willett Street
Residents of Center Square and Hudson Park can utilize the interior roadways of Washington Park for parking starting 5 p.m. on Friday September 20, 2019. All vehicles must be removed from the interior park roadways by 6 p.m. Sunday September 22, 2019.
For more details visit: http://albanylarkfest.com/details?fbclid=IwAR0SJnvCUBJFFXthNRMGN3RDyx-dUG3KoyLeJzhu3i8cX07ZIB8QJa7jceA
