UTICA, N.Y. — Costumes, music, treats and neighborhood pride filled Cornhill on Saturday, Oct. 24, as more than 2,000 people joined the 11th annual Harvest on the Hill celebration.
Co-sponsored by Cornhill Cares and Rebuilding the Village, the family-friendly event brought neighbors and community organizations together along James Street, from Elm Street to Brinckerhoff Street, for a colorful Halloween celebration.
Utica police and Thomas R. Proctor High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets helped lead the parade down James Street. Participants included SNUG, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, motorcycle riders, costumed families and a lively pirate-themed group.
Elected officials joined the festivities. Utica Mayor Michael Galime stopped at tables to greet children, families and participating organizations. Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville was also in attendance. Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol and members of the Sheriff’s Office greeted children at their public-safety display near Rebuilding the Village.
A creative Halloween candy ballot gave children a chance to vote for their favorite sweet treat. The mock voting booth also served as a lighthearted reminder to adults about early voting and the importance of civic participation.
“In a society when everything goes wrong, this is one event that goes right. Over 2,000 people show up for this event. Our neighborhood blocks fill up within hours when it goes up, and everyone really just participates and we have a ball,” said Cornhill Cares organizer Senora Pierce, in remarks reported by WKTV.
Community groups added their own flair. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nu Psi Omega Chapter shared decorated Halloween treats, while the Jr. Frontiers and other volunteers greeted families and helped make the event memorable.
With festive decorations, music, games and tables of treats, the annual celebration once again turned neighborhood streets into a gathering place for generations of Cornhill residents and visitors.
PHOTO GALLERY | Harvest on the Hill 2026
Photos supplied with the release.
