Staff photo / Chris McBride Kensington Cameron, 4, of Mecca, daughter of Kathleen Cameron, has her face painted Saturday at the Mecca Community Day at Mecca Township Park by Mary Owens. Owens planned to donate all of her proceeds back to the event in the hope of continuing it for another year.

MECCA TOWNSHIP — The township park along state Route 46 was active Saturday as the township hosted its fifth annual Community Day — a gathering that brought neighbors together without breaking the bank.

Despite morning rain dampening turnout, the event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., drew families, vendors and first responders for a day of music, food and connection.

Christen Clemson, a Mecca Township trustee, said the event had a mission to keep costs low for attendees.

“We want you to come out, have a great day with your neighbors, meet friends and family, and not spend a ton of money,” Clemson said.

“The economy is hard, life is hard, and we want this to be a place where you can just enjoy.”

The event featured a range of attractions, including free live music, bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses and a church bake sale.

Craft vendors lined the park, showcasing local talent, while the Mecca Volunteer Fire Department Social Group grilled hot dogs and sausages, with proceeds supporting equipment repairs.

A highlight was the backpack giveaway sponsored by Mecca Community Church, where children from kindergarten through 12th grade received free backpacks, provided they were present.

William Troyer, a local horse trainer, brought his horses Desert and her foal, Dusty Rhodes, for pony rides, a donation based activity that proved to be a hit.

“This is a calm atmosphere for the horses,” Troyer said, noting the event’s laid-back vibe helps acclimate his animals to crowds. Last year, the Troyer family provided nearly 300 rides, a testament to their growing role as a community staple.

Tom Domes, chief of the Mecca Volunteer Fire Department, talked about the event’s deeper purpose.

“The history, the community, the relationships between neighbors — it’s very important,” said Domes, who also serves as vice president of the Mecca Township Historical Society. “In a small community, people need to know what’s going on, and days like this bring us together.”

The fire department’s presence was more than culinary.

Domes noted that events like Community Day allow residents to connect with firefighters, some of whom are not local but volunteer from nearby Cortland and Bazetta. “We’ve had past patients come by to thank us,” he said. “It’s great to see that, because we’re not a full-time department, so we don’t always get that chance.”

For first-time attendees like Amanda Jurasin, a Bloomfield Fire Department volunteer who brought her two daughters, the event’s small scale was a draw.

“I like that it’s not too crowded,” Jurasin said. “You don’t have to worry about losing your kids, and it’s nice to see the community come together.”

Her daughter, Sophia Hart, eagerly eyed the pony rides, undeterred by past spills at her grandmother’s farm.

Despite the soggy start, organizers remained optimistic.

“We’re rain or shine,” Clemson said with a grin. “You take what Mother Nature throws at you.”

With plans to grow the event for its sixth year, Mecca Community Day continues to bring the township closer, one hot dog, pony ride and backpack at a time.