Glens Falls to unveil new South Street Market and Event Center

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In honor of the grand opening for the South Street Market and Event Center, city officials in Glens Falls are hosting the first ever South Street Block Party on May 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a ribbon cutting, live music, and activities for community members.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., before the block party kicks off, the city will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and restaurant showcase within the new market and event center. State and local officials, including the Department of State, Empire State Development, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce plan to attend the ribbon ceremony.

Two local artists will perform at the market and event center's block party. Joe DeFelice will kick off the night of music at 5 p.m., and Wild Adriatic, a rock band from Saratoga Springs, will headline two sets at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Community members can also expect cornhole and lawn games for kids, displays by Glens Falls businesses and non-profit organizations, vendors, and a wide range of food and drinks from local restaurants. Coolers and outside beverages are not allowed at the block party.

Traffic on South Street between Glen Street and School Street from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The block party celebration comes after eight years of developing the market and event center, which the Glens Falls Farmer's Market plans to move into on June 7.

The city received funding in 2017 from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative to create the market and event center. However, according to Economic Development Director Jeff Flagg, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project for about 30 months.

"This is more than a block party — it’s a celebration of Glens Falls’ continued growth and vibrancy,” Mayor S. William Collins said. “We’re proud to showcase the new Market & Event Center and welcome the community downtown to enjoy great music, food, games, and local pride.”