How Ballston Spa’s Peach Fest Became a Farmer’s Market Hit
What started as a simple idea to bring more visitors to the Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market quickly became one of the village’s biggest summer events.
Steve Miraglia, Secretary of the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association and Market Manager of the Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market, said organizers expected a modest turnout for the first Peach Fest, but the community response exceeded all expectations.
From a Small Promotion to Hundreds of Visitors
The Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market introduced Peach Fest last year as a themed market day to showcase locally grown peaches and peach-inspired products and encourage more people to visit the market.
“We were trying to get more people to come to the farmer’s market,” Miraglia explained. Vendors embraced the idea by creating peach-themed offerings ranging from fresh peaches and baked goods to specialty drinks.
The response surprised everyone involved.
“We just thought it would be a little bump in attendance at the market,” Miraglia said. “When we put out the event on Facebook, people were really excited for it.”
Interest quickly translated into crowds. According to Miraglia, more than 1,000 people expressed interest online, and hundreds attended the event in person.
“We had lines wrapped all the way around the block,” he said. “Most of the vendors sold out within 2 hours.”
That experience shaped this year’s planning. Miraglia said organizers have encouraged vendors to prepare more inventory because “people love peaches and peach flavors… They can’t get enough of it.”
Local Vendors Bring Peach-Inspired Creations
The 2026 Peach Fest will once again feature a wide variety of vendors from around the region, with many creating exclusive peach-themed products for the event.
Visitors can expect fresh peaches from Buhrmaster Farm and My Other Garden, while The Saratoga Baking Company will offer peach-inspired baked goods. Beverage vendors including Longhua Restaurant and Mobile Bevvies are planning peach-flavored lemonades and teas, and Sanders Meat Market, Vida Foods, Slice N’ Grill, and crafters will also be participating.
The event isn’t limited to food and crafts. Live music begins at 10 a.m., while families can enjoy yard games, crafts, and an activity hosted by the local arts committee. New this year, Saha Yoga will offer a morning yoga class beginning at 9 a.m. at the start of the market.
Because this is only the second Peach Fest, Miraglia said organizers are intentionally keeping the event focused.
“We want to make sure we’ve got the basics down before we start changing too much.”
Making Fresh Local Food Accessible
Beyond the celebration, Steve Miraglia said the Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market continues to participate in New York State’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, allowing eligible residents to use state-issued vouchers to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors.
“Peach Fest is no different,” Miraglia said. “If people want to come get some of their produce at Peach Fest, and they have those coupons, they can come use them at our market.”
This year’s Peach Fest takes place Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wiswall Park in the heart of Ballston Spa, with street parking available throughout the village.
For anyone planning to attend, Miraglia offered one piece of advice based on last year’s turnout: “Get there a little early.” While vendors are preparing additional inventory, he noted, “You never know.” As the event approaches, he encourages visitors to follow the Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market’s social media channels for the latest vendor announcements and updates on new peach-themed creations.
