Herkimer’s Big Block Party: Business Growth Meets Mental Health Advocacy

By David LaGuerre-

Herkimer’s Downtown Gears Up for a Celebration That’s More Than Just Fun

Herkimer isn’t just throwing another summer bash—it’s building community. A new block party planned in the village is set to celebrate a milestone business expansion while also championing mental health awareness. It’s a dual-purpose event with powerful local implications, and it’s another sign that this Mohawk Valley town is growing not only economically, but socially conscious as well.

Organized by Herkimer Now and community partners, the event aims to spotlight local investment while addressing the silent crisis of mental health—an issue that affects one in five adults in New York State, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

A Party With a Purpose

This isn’t just food trucks, face painting, and music (though there’ll be plenty of those, too). The Herkimer Block Party will serve as a platform for local businesses to showcase their expansion, with particular recognition of the growth of Steet Ponte Auto Group, which recently made new investments in its Herkimer location.

At the same time, the event will elevate conversations around mental wellness. Free mental health resources will be available on site, including from local agencies, and public awareness activities are being planned to reduce stigma.

Community Highlights

According to Herkimer Now Executive Director Christine Turo, the party is part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown Herkimer and draw foot traffic to small businesses. “We’re building something here—an economy where people feel seen, heard, and supported. And that includes mental health,” she said.

Expect live entertainment, kids’ games, art vendors, and plenty of chances to connect with both neighbors and service providers.

Why Mental Health, and Why Now?

The conversation around mental health in Herkimer—and rural America more broadly—has intensified in recent years. Post-pandemic stressors, the opioid crisis, and rural isolation have converged into a growing concern.

• According to NYS Office of Mental Health, more than 33% of New Yorkers reported anxiety or depression symptoms in 2023.

• Suicide rates in upstate and rural New York have consistently been higher than the national average, particularly among veterans and young adults.

• Local mental health providers are underfunded and understaffed, even as demand continues to rise.

By pairing this festive event with real resources and conversations, organizers hope to bridge the gap between celebration and service.

Economic Growth That Reflects Local Values

Steet Ponte Auto Group’s investment is part of a broader economic resurgence in Herkimer County. Small business development is on the rise, and the county has seen over $20 million in new business investments since 2022, according to data from the Herkimer County IDA.

But local officials say they want more than just numbers—they want a community economy, one where dollars stay local and employers invest in the wellbeing of their workforce.

“True economic development is not just about buildings or payrolls,” said County Legislator Ray Johnson. “It’s about people. This event celebrates both the financial and emotional infrastructure we’re trying to build.”

A Template for Other Mohawk Valley Towns?

What Herkimer is doing—marrying celebration with awareness—could be a model for other small towns in the Mohawk Valley. As Rome, Utica, Little Falls, and Ilion also look to attract investment and tourism, events like this show how communities can be inclusive and festive without ignoring real issues.

And in the post-COVID era, where isolation and burnout linger, these kinds of hybrid civic events could serve as the new standard.

Let’s Show Up—For Each Other

The Herkimer Block Party is not just another summer distraction. It’s an affirmation: that growth and healing are not mutually exclusive. That fun and empathy can go hand in hand.

So if you’re in the Mohawk Valley, mark your calendar. Come for the food and music—but stay for the chance to connect, to learn, and maybe even to change a life.

Let’s show up for our neighbors. Let’s show up for ourselves.

Did this story resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—and don’t forget to support your local businesses and health organizations.