A May Day celebration in Watkins Glen will double as a community-wide push to address affordability, bringing together local resources, food donations and hands-on activities at Lafayette Park.
The Affordability Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 1 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., featuring a mix of service opportunities and educational programming aimed at helping residents navigate rising costs.
Organizers say the family-friendly event will include a food drive, bake sale and raffle, with proceeds benefiting local food pantries. Donations will include non-perishable food items, pet supplies and hygiene products.
Beyond donations, the festival will offer several interactive learning opportunities, including crafts, a gardening project and a session focused on identifying and preparing edible weeds. Local organizations and resources will also be on hand to share information about building more affordable lifestyles.
Participants will have opportunities to engage in advocacy as well, including writing postcards to elected officials and creating signs for a planned “Honk and Wave” demonstration.
The event will conclude with that demonstration from 6 to 7 p.m., inviting attendees to take part with signs created during the festival.
Organizers say the goal is to combine community support with practical education, giving residents tools and connections to navigate affordability challenges while supporting neighbors in need.
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