TOWN SUPERVISOR CIARAN HANNA ANNOUNCES NEW “FREE OR FIVE” INITIATIVE TO ENSURE AFFORDABLE RECREATION FOR FAMILIES

August 23, 2024

Perinton Residents Will Enjoy a Variety of Recreation & Parks Events at No Cost or Just $5.

Perinton Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna and Recreation & Parks Commissioner Jeff Nutting today announced Perinton’s new “Free or Five” initiative, designed to offer a wide range of community events at either no cost or a minimal fee of just $5. This initiative aims to make recreational events and activities more accessible and affordable to all residents.

“With the ‘Free or Five’ initiative, our goal is to remove financial barriers and ensure that our most popular community events are accessible to all families, particularly as living costs continue to rise,” said Hanna. “These events are cherished Perinton traditions, and we believe no one should be left out due to financial constraints. By offering them at no cost or just $5, we are reaffirming our dedication to supporting families and ensuring that everyone can enjoy these valuable experiences and the strong sense of community they foster.”

The cost of these events is being significantly offset by a successful partnership with Rochester Events, which has enabled the Town to host ticketed shows featuring nationally touring bands at the Perinton Amphitheater. The revenue generated from this collaboration is being reinvested into the community, allowing the Town to reduce costs for special events. Furthermore, the Recreation & Parks Department receives support from local businesses and organizations that provide sponsorships, further enhancing the impact of this initiative.

“We’re excited to offer such a diverse array of events at affordable prices,” said Nutting. “From $5 special events like the Pizza Poll and Valentine’s Day Dance to free community favorites like the Gazebo Concert Series and Halloween Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support of Rochester Events and our local sponsors.”

$5 Special Events include:

  • Pizza Poll: Vote for your favorite local pizza shop with this taste test!
  • Semi-Formal Valentine’s Day Dance: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little ones at this fun-filled event.
  • Blarney Bingo: Enjoy an evening of bingo with a St. Patrick’s twist.
  • Mother-Child Tea: A charming tea event celebrating mothers and children.
  • Fishing Derby: Participate in our annual fishing competition at Perinton Park.
  • Breakfast with Grandparents: Grandparents and grandkids enjoy breakfast and make a craft.
  • Visit with the Grinch: Meet the Grinch and bring your family to enjoy festive activities.

Free Events include:

  • Mr. E Bunny: A fun event for children featuring a visit with Mr. E Bunny.
  • Egg Hunts: Exciting annual egg hunts for all ages.
  • Mighty Machine Mania: A showcase of the Town’s big vehicles and machinery.
  • Gazebo Concert Series: Live music performances at the Kennelley Park Gazebo in the Village of Fairport.
  • Center Stage Concert Series: Enjoy top-notch entertainment at our summer concert series at the Perinton Amphitheater.
  • Canal Days Kid Zone: Fun activities, games and demos for kids during Canal Days.
  • Outdoor Movie Night: Celebrate the start of a new school year with a movie under the stars at the Perinton Amphitheater.
  • Halloween Parade: Celebrate Halloween with a festive community parade.
  • Turkey Jam: Kick off the holiday with fitness and fun.

The first “Free or Five” events will be available this fall. Registration for residents opens on Monday, August 26 at 10 AM, while non-resident registration begins on Tuesday, September 3 at 10 AM. Non-residents can expect to pay an additional $1.

To further support local families, the Town of Perinton offers need-based scholarships through the Perinton Pride Fund, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent any resident from participating in events.

To support these exciting events and help offset additional costs, the Town is seeking additional sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Sponsorships offer valuable visibility and demonstrate a commitment to the community. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out to Perinton Recreation & Parks for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

The “Free or Five” initiative is now in effect and ready to provide affordable fun for everyone.