HOLYOKE — Nueva Esperanza announced that the fifth annual Paper City Food Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, in Downtown Holyoke, spanning from Appleton Street to Dwight Street.
The two-day celebration will feature food, culture, music and community while also rallying to support a local child battling leukemia. The event runs from 2-10 p.m. on Oct. 11 and noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 12.
Each year, Nueva Esperanza dedicates its efforts to support someone from Holyoke who is battling cancer.
This year, the festival is dedicated to Grace “Gracie” Gianna Falcon, a courageous 4-year-old girl currently fighting B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
“The Paper City Food Festival is about the best of Holyoke — our flavors, our music, our small businesses and our heart,” said Paper City Food Festival organizers. “By coming together this year, we’ll not only enjoy an incredible weekend downtown, we’ll also stand with Gracie and her family.”
As part of this year’s festival, Nueva Esperanza will host the Walk for Gracie to raise funds for Gracie and her family.
In-person registration will open at 10 a.m. at the festival grounds on High Street, in front of the stage. The walk will start at noon beginning on Suffolk Street.
The registration fee is $20 for adults, $10 for kids/teens and free for children under 6.
All walk proceeds go directly to Gracie’s family to help with medical bills, travel and daily needs.
On April 11, 2025, Gracie was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
At only 4 years old, Gracie has endured more than any child should, but she continues to smile, dance and inspire everyone around her with her courage and joy.
Gracie’s family is also selling “Gracie Strong” hoodies featuring a Bible verse on the back.
The registration for food and non-food vendors is closed, but informational tables may register through Oct. 10. Pricing varies depending on whether your business is based in Holyoke. For questions, readers can contact Juan Uribe, lead organizer, at 413-409-1961.
Also on Oct. 11, Doors Open Holyoke kicks off the “Day in the Yoke,” a full day, family-friendly celebration that gives the local community, history buffs and curiosity seekers a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective of the first planned industrial city in the United States.
Doors Open Holyoke Project Manager Heather Kies stated that Doors Open Holyoke is like “rolling out a welcome mat for the whole community.”
“It not only celebrates the incredible history and culture of Holyoke, but also shines a spotlight on the businesses and organizations that make this city so unique. By opening doors, literally and figuratively, we’re connecting residents, visitors, and businesses in a way that sparks fresh ideas, builds pride and strengthens community ties,” Kies said.
The event is totally free and open to all. While not required, readers can pre-register for the event by going to Explore Holyoke at exploreholyoke.com.
Kies said some tours may have separate registrations and/or waivers for attendees so they should keep checking back on the latest updates.
Kies concluded, “Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something truly special. Whether you’re showcasing your business or strolling through the city as a guest, Doors Open Holyoke is about celebrating the places and people that make Holyoke extraordinary.”
The event is presented by the city of Holyoke’s Tourism Advisory Committee and is made possible by funding through the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
