“Better Together for Mental Health,” a free community-wide celebration, is back for its second iteration this year on Saturday May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ithaca’s Stewart Park.

Alan Rose and the Restless Elements

This event, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, is a fun day of activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, dance, wellness workshops, face-painting and carousel rides for kids, indulge in free street food and ice cream, and much more.

Stewart Park will be abuzz with community organizations, mental health providers, instructors, and entertainers, in a vibrant atmosphere for learning, laughter, and connection.

“The turn-out last year for our inaugural event was incredible, and we are so pleased to bring this event back again for our community,” said Jaydyn McCune, co-chair of the planning committee.

“This event highlights things we can all do on a daily basis to help keep ourselves and others mentally healthy. We encourage everyone to come out and join us to celebrate wellness. Let’s make mental health a collective priority, because we are truly ‘Better Together.’” 

The event kicks off at the Large Pavilion with a public proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month from City of Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo. New York State Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles will give opening remarks.

Cantata Singers

Alan Rose and the Restless Elements get the beats started with a musical tribute, “The Better Together Song.” Other featured performers include Mandy Goldman, Penelope Voss, Joe Gibson and Dan Collins, the Cantana Singers, Rose Alaimo and Stan Stewart, GIAC Jumpers, and Crossroads the Clown.

The Small Pavilion is the venue for wellness workshops on meditation, life-coaching, choral singing, conflict management, and life balance.

A special tent space in the park will host interactive activities, including story time for children, yoga, sound therapy, meditation, and a singing circle.

Luna Inspired Street Food, Yxi’s Arepas & the Chef Gordito, Meg A Moo’s Ice Cream, and Purity Ice Cream Co. will be providing free eats for attendees.

Dan Collins and Joe Gibson

Representatives from over 30 community organizations will spread out along the walking path of the park, to share information about their programs as well as provide wellness-based activities, such as arts and crafts and lawn games.

Better Together is organized by more than 15 local organizations and dozens of artists, musicians, mental health practitioners, and volunteers. 

This year’s event is sponsored by Cayuga Health, CFCU Community Credit Union, Guthrie, True Insurance; funded in partnership by Friends of Greg, The Sophie Fund, Northwestern Mutual, Sciarabba Walker & Co.; and supported by the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Duthie Orthodontics, Health & Unity for Greg, Tompkins Community Bank, and McCutcheon, Patel, Livermore & Associates DDS. In-kind donations are provided by Wegmans, Gimme! Coffee and Ithaca Coffee Co.; along with personal donations from Carla and Steve Fontana, Gene Yarussi, and numerous others.

Stan Stewart and Rose Alaimo

Mandy Goodman

Penelope Voss