Fiver’s 2024 Fall Festival: An Evening of Connection & Community

To conclude the month of September, Fiver hosted its Annual Fall Festival, a beloved tradition that has brought the central New York community together throughout the past ten years or so. During the event, local community members are invited to Camp Fiver for an enjoyable evening filled with fun, connection, and celebration of Fiver’s mission. This year’s event was a tremendous success, raising over $15,500 to support Fiver’s year-round and summer programs for central New York youth. With a mix of live music, delicious food, and meaningful moments, the festival perfectly embodied the spirit of Fiver.

A highlight this year was hearing from Marcus Relyea, a Fiver participant for the past eight years. Marcus shared his personal journey with Fiver, providing a moving testament to the sense of belonging and growth he’s experienced over the years. 

Marcus emphasized the importance of the Fiver community, describing the deep friendships he’s built at camp, friendships that last even when the campers are apart. “These friendships are special because, even though we can't see each other all year, when we do, it’s like no time has passed. It’s like having a second family that just gets you,” Marcus shared. His words encapsulated the heart of Fiver—a place where young people not only learn new skills but also form bonds that last a lifetime.

During his speech, Marcus shared a favorite memory from a Fiver college trip to Colgate University, where he and fellow campers met Tank, the running back for the university’s football team. “Since I love football, having him as our tour guide was the best,” Marcus recalled. This trip is part of Fiver’s ongoing partnership with Colgate, which plays a key role in expanding educational opportunities for Fiver youth. Each year, 7th and 8th graders have the unique opportunity to sit in on college-level science classes at Colgate, while high school juniors tour the campus as part of their annual college trip, where they explore several institutions as potential options for pursuing higher education.

One of the most meaningful moments Marcus shared was earning the “Environmentalist” dog tag at camp, a recognition from his counselor Azonte. “I didn’t just get it for being good in nature or respecting the environment; I got it because I could adapt to any situation. It made me realize that I’m capable of handling anything that comes my way,” Marcus reflected. His story was a powerful reminder of how Fiver helps participants discover their strengths and unlock their full potential.

As the evening continued, the festival came alive with exciting activities, including the popular Penny Raffle, where attendees bid on a wide variety of creative and thoughtful items. From movie night baskets to beautiful artistic interpretations of Camp Fiver’s scenic 129-acre property, each raffle item showcased the community’s generosity and creativity.

We also want to extend a special thank you to our friends at Michael’s Fine Food & Spirits/Hamilton Inn for providing the delicious food and drinks that fueled the event. Their commitment to Fiver’s mission is truly appreciated, and we are grateful for their continued partnership.

As we celebrate the success of this year’s Fall Festival, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next. With over $15,500 raised, we are building positive momentum to expand our reach in the central New York region and continue to create opportunities for youth to thrive. Whether you joined us in person, donated a raffle item, purchased a ticket, or supported us from afar, your contribution is what keeps Fiver’s mission moving forward. 

Thank you for making this event such a success, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the coming year!