Mary Nelson's Annual "Youth Day Celebration"
REGISTRATION OPEN
Annual School Supply Giveaway
Saturday, August 15, 2026
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Meachem Field, Syracuse, NY
Mary Nelson’s Annual Youth Day Celebration is a free, full-day community event — backpacks and school supplies for every registered student, plus food, music, family resources, and on-site community partners. This year, SU Football Coach Fran Brown is donating 1,000 bikes. All are welcome!
Registration closes the day before the event. All attendees must register.

Youth Day Celebration & Backpack Giveaway
Since 2002, our community’s back-to-school kickoff—free backpacks, school supplies, and a full day of family resources and celebration.
Launched in 2002 in honor of Darryl Patterson, this annual celebration has grown from a neighborhood effort
into one of Central New York’s largest back-to-school drives. Each August, thousands of students receive
ready-to-learn backpacks and essentials—plus access to clothing, food, and wrap-around support.
- Built for students: grade-appropriate supplies, resources, and encouragement to start strong.
- Built for families: community partners on-site for food, clothing, health & education support.
- Built to last: year-round distribution continues after the main event, so no child is left behind.
Fast Facts
First Year: 2002
Peak Attendance: ~16,000 (2019)
Recent Scale: ~6,000 registered (2024)
Adapted for 2020: Virtual distribution with schools
Location: Syracuse’s South Side & community parks