May 10, 2022
AUBURN, NY — On June 25, 2022, the Downtown Auburn Saturday Market will open for its fourth season, but this year with a new location. The public market is moving from the Auburn NY Visitor Center, 25 South Street, to Genesee Street in the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District (BID). The goal of the new Summer Saturdays is to support existing businesses, while creating opportunity for small businesses to thrive, educate the public about the impact of buying local, and provide a community-building experience in an accessible location.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our downtown businesses and community. Supporting local ensures success for all and a great initiative for exposure to our community and region as to the offerings that our Auburn downtown business district has to offer," Stephanie DeVito, Auburn Downtown BID Executive Director.
The market is a rain or shine event set to operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on alternating Saturdays, beginning June 25 through closing day on September 3. Each of the six event dates will be themed starting with Auburn NY Pride on June 25, Harriet Tubman Descendant Reunion Weekend July 23, and others like Bring Your Pet to the Market. Streets will not be closed for Summer Saturdays; vendors will be placed along both sides of Genesee Street, and businesses are encouraged to set up in the sidewalk space in front of their storefronts.
Held in partnership with Taste NY and Cornell Cooperative Extension, the market aims to connect visitors and the community with regionally sourced products. Featuring food producers and artisans, consumers will have access to locally produced baked goods; syrups and honey; fine art; apparel; crafts and other specialty items.
In addition to live music and entertainment, Summer Saturdays will feature free activities and programming in partnership with the National Park Service, including “Hike Through the History of Tubman" walking tours and Equal Rights Heritage Center gallery talks. New vendors are welcome to participate in Summer Saturdays in Downtown Auburn. Vendor fees are $30 for the season or $10 per each event; vendors are not required to participate every market date. Contact the Equal Rights Heritage Center at (315) 258-9820 or visit visitauburnny.com to obtain an application.
Programming
"Hike Through the History of Tubman" Walking Tours
Park rangers will be conducting "Hike Through the History of Tubman" tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 a.m. June 2 through September 10. Meet your ranger at the Harriet Tubman statue in the courtyard of the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center. Come hear about Tubman's 50 years in freedom in Auburn and the people she knew as friends and compatriots in the struggle for abolition, women's suffrage, and equal rights. These tours are free, run two hours, and cover two miles. Some walking surfaces are uneven and elevated. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Call the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park at (315) 882-8060 for the latest information.
Gallery Talks
Join a National Park Service ranger on a stroll through the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center and listen to the many stories of the people who changed the country through their work in the human rights movement, on the abolition of slavery, and in the women's rights movement. Portraits of Emily Howland, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman hang prominently on the center's walls with other notable New York State citizens. Come listen to stories of those in our collective past. Park rangers will be conducting the 30-minute gallery talks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 4 p.m. June 2 through September 10.
Equal Rights Heritage Center
The Equal Rights Heritage Center is the official welcome center and tourism hub for the City of Auburn, NY. It serves to shine a light on New York's equal rights heritage, as well as, the historical, cultural, and entertainment assets the City of Auburn has to offer in a welcoming and educational manner. Learn more: visitauburnny.com
Auburn Downtown BID
The Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District (BID) is a membership organization of residents, business owners, property owners, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities. By means of research, advocacy, marketing, promotion, event planning and collaborative efforts, the BID is committed to enhancing the appearance, economic viability, and quality of life of the community. Learn more: auburndowntown.org
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