Broadway open to pedestrians only for Saratoga Chowderfest

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Some changes are on the way for this year's annual Chowderfest in Saratoga Springs. The city has announced it will close Broadway to pedestrian traffic only as a means of keeping attendees safe.

Officials cited the New Year's attack in New Orleans where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing more than a dozen people. Officials said they want to ensure the safety of community members and visitors.

"It will give people an opportunity to spread out and enjoy chowder in a relaxed atmosphere," Discover Saratoga Pres. Darryl Leggieri said. "It gets really congested sometimes along the sidewalks so this is going to open up so people can enjoy their chowder in a relaxed atmosphere."

There will be nearly 90 different vendors at Saturday's event. Broadway will be closed from Lake Avenue to Washington Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.