Sometimes the best local adventures are the ones you didn’t quite know what to expect from.
Last month we stopped by the inaugural New York Pawpaw Festival at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow. Even with plenty of rain throughout the weekend, the festival brought people together for two days of music, agriculture, art, education, and community. And yes, we finally got to try a pawpaw!
If you’ve never heard of a pawpaw before, you’re not alone. The pawpaw is North America’s largest edible native fruit, and the festival was a chance to learn more about this unique fruit and the people working to bring more attention to it.
There was plenty to explore throughout the weekend, from local vendors and makers to speakers sharing their knowledge about agriculture, horticulture, sustainability, and homesteading. Live music added to the atmosphere, giving visitors another reason to stick around and enjoy the day.
One of the best parts of events like this is seeing the variety of people they bring together. Farmers, artists, gardeners, musicians, environmentalists, homesteaders, and curious visitors all had a place at the festival.
Despite the rainy weather, there was a great energy throughout Magic Forest Farm. People were still wandering between vendors, listening to music, learning from speakers, and enjoying the experience.
The New York Pawpaw Festival may have been a first for New York, but it already felt like the beginning of something worth watching.
And if nothing else, we left knowing a little more about pawpaws than we did when we arrived!
Keep exploring, keep supporting local events, and you never know what you might discover right here in southern Albany County.
Author: Jordon Egelston
I’m passionate about everything RCS has to offer! As a member of the RCS Community Board of Directors and the founder of Uniquely Jordon Media, I specialize in social media management and branding tailored for rural businesses. When I’m not working, you’ll find me embracing life as a mom, drinking cold brew coffee, crafting, and hunting for vintage treasures.
