Town and Village of Pittsford invite residents to celebrate community traditions at the heritage picnic on June 28

Pittsford, New York – A small town celebration planned for late June is aiming to bring neighbors together in a meaningful way while marking one of the most significant milestones in American history. In Pittsford, local leaders and residents are preparing a special community event that will honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and highlight the diverse traditions that make up the American story.

The event, called the E Pluribus Unum Community Heritage Picnic, is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, and will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the pavilion of the Spiegel Community Center. Organized jointly by the Town and Village of Pittsford, the gathering is designed to blend history, culture, and community spirit in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The picnic is one of several activities planned throughout the year as Pittsford joins communities across the country in recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Officials say the celebration will stretch across 2026, with programs, historical displays, and cultural events highlighting the nation’s past while encouraging residents to reflect on the shared values that unite them.

Local historians will play an important role in those commemorations. Materials and exhibits prepared by the town historian will appear at various events throughout the year, offering residents a closer look at both national and local history. Another highlight scheduled earlier in the month will be a patriotic concert performed by the 198th Army Band on June 12, bringing military musical tradition to the community as part of the larger anniversary observance.

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The June 28 heritage picnic, however, aims to create a more personal connection to the nation’s story. Organizers say the theme “E Pluribus Unum,” the historic motto meaning “out of many, one,” reflects the diverse backgrounds that have shaped the country. The gathering will encourage residents to share family traditions, recipes, and cultural heritage with their neighbors.

During the event, local elected officials will participate in a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence, echoing a tradition that dates back to the early days of the republic. Community members will also be invited to join together in singing familiar patriotic songs, creating a moment that blends civic pride with shared celebration.

But the centerpiece of the picnic may be something simpler: food and stories from families across the community.

Residents attending the event are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch along with a copy of a favorite family recipe. Organizers say the recipe can represent a cherished holiday dish, a long-standing family tradition, or a meal that reflects a family’s cultural roots. The idea is to capture the wide range of influences that shape everyday life in the community.

Those recipes will serve a special purpose beyond the picnic itself. Each submission will be collected and eventually published in a commemorative cookbook celebrating the milestone anniversary year. The planned Pittsford E Pluribus Unum Cookbook will act as a keepsake for the community, preserving both recipes and the cultural traditions behind them.

Residents who wish to participate do not have to wait until the picnic to contribute. Recipes can be submitted ahead of time through an online form or delivered by mail or in person to Pittsford Village Hall. Organizers ask that participants include their name and address when submitting their recipes.

Throughout the summer, those contributions will be compiled and organized into the final cookbook. The finished collection is expected to be released in the fall, offering residents a tangible reminder of the anniversary celebration and the many traditions shared across the community.

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Town officials say the picnic is only one part of a broader series of events planned in Pittsford to commemorate the historic anniversary. Additional programs and activities tied to the America 250 celebration will be announced throughout the year, encouraging residents of all ages to take part.

Updates about upcoming events and programs will be shared through the Town and Village websites as the year unfolds. For organizers, the goal is simple: to bring people together, celebrate shared history, and look toward the future with a renewed sense of community.

In a year dedicated to reflecting on the nation’s origins, Pittsford’s heritage picnic offers a reminder that history is not only found in documents and monuments—it also lives in traditions, families, and the meals people gather around together.