5th Annual Paper City Food Festival

The 5th Annual Paper City Food Festival is happening Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12, 2025! About the Festival The Paper City Food Festival is a dynamic celebration of local cuisine, culture, and artistic creativity. Held in downtown Holyoke, the event spans two blocks filled with vendors, businesses, community […]

The 5th Annual Paper City Food Festival is happening Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12, 2025!

About the Festival
The Paper City Food Festival is a dynamic celebration of local cuisine, culture, and artistic
creativity. Held in downtown Holyoke, the event spans two blocks filled with vendors,
businesses, community organizations, local musical talent, and, of course, delicious food.

A Special Purpose This Year
Each year, we dedicate our efforts to support someone from Holyoke who is battling cancer.
This year, the festival holds a special purpose, we are honored to dedicate our annual walk to Gracie, a courageous four-year-old girl currently fighting leukemia.

About Gracie
On April 11, 2025, Grace “Gracie” Gianna Falcon was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL).

Instead of playgrounds and birthday parties, Gracie’s days are now filled with IV poles, hospital stays, and chemotherapy. Her curls have thinned, her little hands are often wrapped in tape, and yet—she still twirls in princess dresses and insists on painting with bright colors. ?

At only four years old, Gracie has endured more than any child should. The treatments are painful, the hospital stays long, and the financial strain overwhelming. But through it all, Gracie continues to smile, dance, and inspire everyone around her with her courage and joy.

Walk for Gracie
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, we invite you to walk with us in honor of Gracie!

Walk Registration Fee
Adults: $20
Kids/Teens: $10
Under 6: Free

• In-person registration: Begins at 10:00 AM at the festival grounds on High Street (in front of the stage).
• Walk start time: 12:00 PM, starting on Suffolk Street.
• Important: 100% of the funds raised through the walk will go directly to Gracie’s family to help with medical bills, travel, and daily needs as they navigate this journey.

Registration Payment Instructions
Payment is required at the time of submitting your application.

Credit/Debit Card:  Click here!

Check or Money Order:
Make payable to: Nueva Esperanza, Inc.
Memo: PCFF- Gracie Strong Walk
Mail or drop off at: 401 Main Street, Holyoke, MA

Cash: Please come by Nueva Esperanza, 401 Main Street, Holyoke

Office hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Support Through Merch Gracie’s family is also selling “Gracie Strong” hoodies with a Bible verse printed on the back.
You can purchase them here: ? Gracie’s Strong Hoodies!

Come for the food and music. Stay for the community, hope, and love. Together, let’s show Gracie and her family that Holyoke stands with them. ?