“Better Together for Mental Health,” a free community-wide celebration, is back for its third iteration on Saturday May 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Ithaca’s Stewart Park. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the event is a fun day of free activities for all ages. Participate in mindful movement, dance, live music, street performances, workshops, free activities for kids including face-painting and carousel rides, indulge in free food offerings, and much more.
Free Carousel Rides at “Better Together”
Stewart Park will be abuzz with community organizations, mental health providers, instructors, and entertainers, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learning, laughter, and connection. Explore and learn about mental health, discover ways to support yourself, and connect with others.
“This will be our third year of Better Together, and we cannot wait for the community to join us again this year,” 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.’”
Representatives from 50 different community organizations will be spread out along the walking path of the park between the large and small pavilions, to share information about their programs as well as provide wellness-based activities, such as arts and crafts, “make your own stress ball,” lawn games, food sampling and more.
Stewart Park’s carousel rides will be available at no cost for the duration of the event, with special thanks to McCutcheon, Patel, Livermore and Associates for their generous sponsorship.
Planned performances and mental health practices will take place throughout the day at the Large Pavilion. This year’s event will include performances by local favorites, including Rootstock, Cakebatter, SingTrece, RDF, Jack Brown, and Thousands of One.
The Small Pavilion will be transformed into the Family Activities Pavilion, sponsored in part by The Sophie Fund. This space will host a multitude of children-focused activities, story-telling, crafts and games.
There will be multiple food vendors on-site, providing free food for all in attendance, thanks to the generous event sponsors. Food vendors include Catering by Luna Inspired Street Food, Yxi’s Arepas & Gorditos, Meg -A-Moo’s Ice Cream, Via’s Cookies, Babe’s Burger, and Funk ‘n Waffles.
“Better Together for Mental Health” is grateful for the support of its many sponsors, partners, and supporters:
Cayuga Health; CFCU Community Credit Union; Guthrie; True Insurance; Community Foundation of Tompkins County; Friends of Greg Eells; Health & Unity for Greg (HUG); Sciarabba Walker & Co.; The Sophie Fund; Therm; Tompkins Financial; McCutcheon, Patel, Livermore, and Associates; Vicki and Jay Williamson of Northwestern Mutual; Wegmans; Carla and Steve Fontana; Gene Yarussi; and numerous others.
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