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Ulster County has so many great fairs and festivals, and we have launched a new initiative to help move them down the road toward zero waste. Through the Green the Scene grant program, organizers of fairs, festivals, and other annual community events can apply for up to $2,000 in reimbursable funds to set them up for success in minimizing waste that ends up in the landfill.
What does zero waste really mean? A zero-waste event is one where at least 90% of waste is diverted from landfills through composting, recycling, and reuse. Instead of sending food scraps and disposables to the dump, those materials are collected and repurposed — transforming waste into a resource. The goal is to mimic sustainable natural cycles, where nothing is wasted.
If your community's fair or festival has not yet considered composting food waste, this grant program offers the perfect opportunity to give it a try. And if the event is already diverting food waste from the landfill, the program can help event organizers take their green-waste practices to the next level. Levels of action include:
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Level 1: Diverters - Event organizers have set up a waste collection system to separate food waste from other waste so that food scraps can be composted. There are so MANY benefits to our communities, our farms, and the environment from turning food waste into compost for agriculture and gardens rather than landfilling it!
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Level 2: Eco-Conscious Entertainers - In addition to separating and diverting food waste, event organizers are taking steps to change the kinds of products used to serve food or sales items at festivals.
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Level 3: Cradle to Gravers - Event organizers have established a policy requiring vendors to use compostable disposables for food and sales packaging. (i.e., cups, plates, serviceware, food wrapping). A great local example of a ‘cradle-to-graver’ is the Saugerties Garlic Festival, a pioneer in green-waste practices.
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4: Zero Heroes - Event organizers are exploring options for using reusable and washable products for serving food, and a system for distributing, collecting, and washing the serving ware.
Ulster County's "Green the Scene" program offers grants to fairs and festivals to get started on the road to zero waste or to take their event to one of these next levels.
Festivals: Apply for a Zero Waste Grant
Eligible applicants for the Zero Waste Bound Challenge grant program include municipalities, nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored organizations hosting events in Ulster County. Funding from the grant program can be used to cover expenses such as:
- Purchasing zero waste supplies such as bins, compostable bags, compostable service ware, cleaning supplies, etc.
- Hauling and composting services
- Hiring a dedicated Zero Waste Coordinator
The program also provides branded signage and waste bins through the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency.
Applications are open through June 30 for events taking place during the 2025 season. This initiative is part of Ulster County’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on landfills.
Upcoming Pride Month Celebrations in Ulster County
As we honor the contributions and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ communities, we recommit to working toward a County that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all. Here are some of the Pride events happening in the County:
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Saturday, June 7: Hudson Valley Pride March & Festival @ Kingston Pride, 12 PM - 7 PM
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Sunday, June 8: Woodstock Pride Parade, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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Sunday, June 22: Saugerties Pride Celebration, 3 - 7 PM, dance party at The Partition
Human Rights Awareness Event - Learn More About Your Rights
Join the Ulster County Department of Human Rights for a community awareness and education event at the Elting Memorial Library.
📅 Thurs., June 5
🕐 1 PM – 3 PM
📍 Elting Memorial Library (93 Main Street, New Paltz)
Come speak with representatives from the Department to learn about your rights and how they can support you in protecting them under New York State law. For more information, contact humanrights@co.ulster.ny.us.
Community Mini Wellness Fair - OFA Tabling at Habitat for Humanity Event
The Ulster County Office for the Aging will be tabling at the upcoming Community Mini Wellness Fair hosted by the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity.
🗓️ Wed., June 11
🕜10 AM - 1 PM
📍Ulster County Habitat ReStore
The fair is open to the public — community members of all ages are invited to engage in wellness-focused resources, health education, and supportive services provided by a variety of local organizations.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster County residents. These programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
The Ulster County Older Adults Empowerment Council presents: Gotcha! Beware of Scams – See the Red Flags
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Join us for a forum designed to help older adults, caregivers, and community members recognize, prevent, and respond to financial scams and exploitation. Explore real-life case studies, hear from a panel of experienced speakers, and take part in audience discussions that shed light on how scams occur, warning signs that are often missed, and steps you can take to stay protected. You can participate either in person or online via Zoom.
🗓️ Thurs., June 12
🕜 1:30 – 3:30 PM
📍Hybrid, Online via Zoom & In-Person at the Ulster County Senior Hub (5 Development Court, Kingston, NY)
Optional group viewing at local libraries across the County: Woodstock Library, Olive Free Library & Town of Ulster Library.
For more information and to register, contact the Ulster County Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456.
Upcoming Public Information Meetings
Join us to learn more about the Bridge Street Bridge Replacement Project on Thursday, June 12, from 12-6 PM and Friday, June 13, from 3-8 PM at Parish Hall, Church of St. Francis De Sales (109 Main Street, Phoenicia.)
Stop by to learn about the Bridge Street Bridge Project during this open house forum. Now is the time to express your thoughts and concerns, ask questions, and provide input on the future of the project.
Ulster County’s 2025 Primary Election is Coming Up!
Primary Election Day is on Tues., June 24, or you can vote early any day from Sat., June 14, through Sun., June 22. Local and state elections directly impact our schools, infrastructure, public safety, and more. Exercising your right to vote ensures your voice is heard in decisions that affect your daily life — so plan ahead and make sure your voice counts!
For details on voting locations, candidates, sample and absentee ballots, and more, visit the Ulster County Board of Elections website.
Join Us on the Nature Bus - Saturday, June 7 & Saturday, June 14
The Ulster County Nature Bus runs every Saturday through the end of September and is completely FREE for both transportation and admission to parks and preserves. Nature Bus destinations are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
🗓️ Sat., June 7
📍River Route — The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
🗓️ Sat., June 14
📍Ridge Route — From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Make the most of your trip by wearing appropriate footwear, and don’t forget to bring water. Each bus has a bike rack (first come, first served), and helmets are required when biking in state parks. Only service animals are allowed. For questions, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
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