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Pack Fest

Activity at raiderfest

Pack Fest

Returns to Colonie on Saturday, May 16

Touch a Truck at Raiderfest

Pack Fest

Returns to Colonie on Saturday, May 16

Motorcycles at Raiderfest

Pack Fest

Returns to Colonie on Saturday, May 16

face painting

Pack Fest

Returns to Colonie on Saturday, May 16

Flag flying high at colonie central high school

Pack Fest

Returns to Colonie on Saturday, May 16

Join us for —

Pack Fest

 

Pack Fest is Colonie Central High School’s annual, student-led community celebration hosted by the ICARE Team (Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect and Empathy). Taking place Saturday, May 16, 2026, the event brings together students, families, and community members for a day of games, activities, demonstrations, and local food vendors.

Each year, ICARE partners with an organization to support through the event. This year, proceeds will benefit the Albany Housing Coalition, which provides housing support and resources to homeless veterans and those at risk of losing their homes in the Capital Region.

 

Collage of three photos from Raiderfest 2024

Pack Fest Events 

  • Join us as we proudly kick off the start of Pack Fest together in Colonie Central High School’s auditorium. Hear from school leaders, members of our ICARE group, and representatives from the Albany Housing Coalition. Each attendee will receive a free ticket for a paid activity at Pack Fest. 

  • Come shop the dozens of local vendors on hand with artisanal and handmade goods! 

    • Chic Charm C.

    • Parker's Perfect Soap

    • Doughn't Worry Bakery

    • Unrefined By Designs 

    • Tia Pia Qture

    • Author- Children Books

    • Norwek

    • DaChe 

    • Beaded Beauty

    • Indulgence In a Scent

    • Ninja Bunny Crochet

    • CraftCycled 

    • MKZ Designs

    • Color Street

    • Big Daddy Cologne Co

    • SNR Creations

    • Bohemian Pizazz

    • Crochet By Me

    • Juniper Hollow Crafts

    • Taylor's Truffles

    • Jeannine's Custom Embroidery 

    • Made for You By Chelsea 

    • Detracts Chainmail Jewelry 

    • JEMazing Creations, LLC

    • Sammy's Printz

  • Located in Colonie Central High School’s MUG (Muli-Use Gymnasium), this is a free, activities-based event. 
    Includes:

    • Finger print lab
    • Star lab,
    • Kid-friendly Paint & Sip (kid friendly)
    • Live flower dissection
    • Slime-making,
    • Rock and mineral fossil display
    • And more!

  • Have you ever wanted to meet a snake or an armadillo? Here’s your chance! This free event is located inside the Colonie Central High School MUG (Multi-Use Gymnasium) lobby.

  • See and explore large community up close! Check out firetrucks, school buses, water tank trucks and more! 

  • See teams made up of our South Colonie students and staff face off on the kickball field! Spectators are welcome to watch the tournament from the Ambrosio Field bleachers and see game highlights on the jumbotron! 

  • A variety of food options for everyone! 

    • Adirondack Kettle Corn

    • Kona Ice

    • Ben and Jerry's

    • Seasons BBQ

    • Artie's Fry Truck

     

  • Here’s your chance to throw a whipped cream at pie a principal! 

    Cost: $5 per pie 

    Proceeds go to Junior Executive and the Albany Housing Coalition 

  • Get your throwing arm ready! Come check out the dunk tank designed and built at CCHS and make a splash.

    Cost: $5 for a bucket of balls

    Proceeds benefit Senior Executive Club and the Albany Housing Coalition

  • Free to all attendees! 

    • Kan Jam
    • Cornhole
    • Beachball volleyball
    • Badminton
    • Mini golf
    • And more!

  • Transform your look and show off your style at our face painting, tattoo, and henna station. Talented artists will create amazing designs—from fierce animals to sparkling masterpieces!

    Cost: $5 or 1 ticket for wristband/unlimited use of station

    Proceeds go to Freshmen Executive Club and the Albany Housing Coalition

  • Cost: $5 or 1 ticket per play

    Proceeds go to Sophomore Executive Club and the Albany Housing Coalition

science fair stock photo

 

STEAM Expo

 

The annual STEAM Expo will be at Colonie Central High School’s MUG (Multi-Use Gymnasium). This immersive event is not just a chance for students to showcase their passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – but also an opportunity for our community to take part in hands-on demonstrations and learning! 

 Highlights include:

  • LIVE Reptile Exhibit (MUG Lobby)
  • Finger print lab
  • Star lab
  • Kid-friendly Paint & Sip
  • Real flower dissection
  • Slime-making
  • Rock and mineral fossil display
  • Stream table
  • And more!

 

 

Fire Truck

 

Touch-A-Truck

 

Have you ever wanted to explore a fire truck and all its equipment, or see a water tank truck up close? Now’s your chance!

At Pack Fest, a variety of community partners will showcase their impressive vehicles, giving kids the opportunity to get up close and personal with the machines that keep us safe and support our community.

Keep an eye out for: 

  • Colonie Police Department 
  • Concord Pools
  • Fire Departments 
  • South Colonie Transportation Department
  • students volunteering at Connors House in Albany
    ICARE students volunteering at Connors House in Albany
  • Resilience mural for Connors House painted by CCHS students
    Resilience mural for Connors House painted by CCHS students
  • ICARE students prepare a meal at Connors House in Albany
    ICARE students prepare a meal at Connors House in Albany

About the Albany Housing Coalition

The Albany Housing Coalition aims to end veteran homelessness by   providing compassionate and comprehensive support. On any given day, they support 100 homeless veterans through secure transitional housing, permanent housing, Section 8 housing vouchers, and ongoing assistance for veterans living independently in the community. 

The Albany Housing Coalition is dedicated to helping veterans achieve lasting stability through personalized case management, access to essential resources, and strong community partnerships. 

Click here to learn more about their mission. 

Pack Fest Sponsors

Sponsorships from community members and businesses help make Pack Fest possible while supporting a meaningful cause right here in our community.

  • Concord Pools & Spas

  • Dark Horse Insurance

  • Iron Tree Financial

Alpha $1,000

  • Concord Pools & Spas
  • Dark Horse Insurance 
  • Iron Tree Financial 

Gold $250

  • First New York Federal Credit Union
  • Blessings Tavern

 

Pack Member $25-$249

  • Mr. David Kiehle

In Kind Support and Partnering

  • Awards by Walsh
  • Lowe’s 
  • Ben & Jerry’s 
  • Bensons Pet Center 
  • Lanie’s Cafe
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Plated Palatte
  • Seasons Catering
  • Adirondack Kettle Corn
  • Kona Ice

Thank you to our generous sponsors!