Hancock, NY — October 11, 2025 - The Town of Hancock came alive this past weekend for the 17th Annual Harvest Festival, hosted by the Hancock Community Education Foundation and held in the Hancock Town Square, a community gathering space proudly owned and maintained by Hancock Partners, Inc. (501c3). This beloved fall tradition once again brought together local residents, businesses, and visitors from across the region to celebrate community spirit and small-town pride.
This year’s festival featured, as always, the Bob Ray Memorial Tractor Parade, a local local tradition and crowd favorite that drew 43 entries from across the region—from vintage farm tractors to creatively decorated family floats—all parading through the heart of Hancock in tribute to the town’s agricultural heritage.
The two-day event saw an impressive 4,215 attendees, not including children (we track the number of cell phones on site for attendance purposes)—bringing the total to an estimated 4,300 visitors. On Friday, October 10th, 1,366 guests joined the festivities, followed by a bustling 2,850 attendees on Saturday, October 11th, marking this one of the most successful festivals in recent years based on turnout.
Local businesses and community organizations filled the square, showcasing their products, services, and support. Vendors included NBT Bank, SFCU Bank, Archtop Fiber, Hancock Telephone Company, Guthrie Medical Center, Delaware Valley Garden Club, Hancock Class of 2026, Hancock Ambulance Service, American Legion, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, among many others.
“It’s incredible to see how our community continues to come together year after year to celebrate Hancock’s spirit and heritage,” said Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold, who joined the parade as a guest of the Delaware Valley Garden Club on their beautifully decorated float. “The Harvest Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a reminder of what makes Hancock such a special place to live. From our volunteers and businesses to our families and friends, this festival reflects the heart of who we are.”
Nonprofits also made an incredible impact this year. The Hancock Rotary Club awarded $1,500 in raffle prizes and raised $2,400 for their community programs, while the Hancock Happy Tails Animal Shelter & Rescue raised $500 through raffles and merchandise sales to support the construction of their new animal shelter.
Festival goers enjoyed a full array of delicious seasonal treats—funnel cakes, cotton candy, maple syrup, and more—alongside arts and crafts, live music from 12-4PM by the amazingly talented Riverside Rambler, and family-friendly activities including pumpkin and face painting.
The Hancock Community Education Foundation and Hancock Partners, Inc. extend their gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, and organizations who made the event possible and helped continue a proud community tradition.
📸 See the full photo gallery below to relive the weekend’s highlights.
