“39th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll Season” Article and Photos By Amy Modesti 

Welcome to the 39th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll Season! The annual Troy tradition kicked off Sunday, December 5, bringing with it some family fun & holiday flair. This year’s stroll is a three-day affair, with remaining stroll dates on Saturday, December 11 & December 18. If you missed attending Sunday’s festivities, go to Troy to shop, dine, and check out some pop-up entertainment within the next two weeks!

Stopping at the River Street Market first is ideal when it comes to Christmas shopping. You can purchase home-made items, ranging from jewelry, knitted hats, holiday cards, and ornaments from over thirty vendors. Shoppers can continue their holiday shopping every Friday in December, December 11 & December 17 from noon-4:00 p.m. Sunday’s holiday market featured entertainment from the “Joe Adee Band”, a Columbia County trio that provided holiday cheer with originals & covers. 

Wherever you go, live entertainment was everywhere!! Sunday’s entertainment featured “The Refrigerators” (Bootleggers), “Diva and the Dirty Boys” (Brown’s Brewing Company), “The Lustre Kings” (Takk House), Maurizio Russomanno (The Ruck), and even Michael Noble, dressed in Victorian attire, read “A Christmas Carol” outside Market Block Books. 

It wouldn’t be the Troy Victorian Stroll without everyone’s favorite musical acts, Troy Samba & Sax-O-Claus (with Josh the Elf). Sax-O-Claus was solo Sunday as he ventured through the city to spread Christmas cheer to all, even joining in on a blues solo with the “Joe Adee Band” at the River Street Market. Sax-O-Claus was on the move and if you missed him Sunday, he’ll be strolling the streets with his counterpart, Josh the Elf from noon-1:30 p.m. (Dec. 11 & 18). 

On Broadway, Troy Samba percussionists beat some drums and jingled bells along with some rhythmic dancing done by spectators. Circled around within the flash mob, spectators were enthralled by the ensemble, often videotaping the ensemble or just simply stepping into the circle and just dancing like no one’s watching. Troy Samba’s Brazilian beats were off the charts, and they continue to remain a fan favorite of the Stroll. 

As per tradition, the City’s Christmas tree was officially lit in the evening at Monument Square. After taking your annual tree selfie, walk through Riverfront Park to view a large assortment of holiday trees neatly lighting the park lawn. Large trees, small trees, medium sized trees lighting up the war memorials, each tree is beautiful and having them situated at the park this year will certainly catch your eye upon your arrival to the Collar City. 

The 39th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll Season will continue for two more days; December 11 & December 18. For more information about the stroll season & what to do, go to www.victorianstroll.com