PORTVILLE — The community of Portville will host its annual Heritage Day on Saturday and organizers are hopeful for a well-attended event — not least because proceeds from the day are used to help local charities.

“This is my third year doing this,” said Michelle Platt, event organizer. “We’ve done pretty well over the years and been able to dole out some moneys to charities, such as Sculpting for Smiles, Colt 45, the fire department and several other entities.”

Platt stated that during her tenure she sometimes has a donation in mind in advance, and at other times she will set the money aside in case a need arises within the community.

“Families in town who have gone through a fire, a death, that kind of thing. Anybody in the surrounding area who’s gone through something and needs a donation,” she explained.

As for why she felt the need to take up the reins of the annual festivity, Platt said, “I felt the need to bring people to Portville, see what we have going on and get to know our little town. It’s a nice little town, we have a lot to offer.

“I just want to showcase some of what we have here.”

The day begins with a breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., at the Portville Memorial Legion Post 814, 24 S. Main St.

Then, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in and around Pioneer Park, there will be many craft, food and other vendors; children’s games; car, motorcycle and tractor shows; a basket raffle; and a chicken barbecue hosted by the fire department.

There will be a bounce house for the children, sponsored by the Portville Central School Class of 2026, as well as live music. The Portville Community Association will then serve food at the Legion from 6 to 9 p.m.

While attendance numbers are difficult to gauge, Platt believes a successful year draws at least a couple thousand attendees.

“It gets really busy, really crowded. My first year I had two food trucks, and they completely sold out within a couple hours. And so we’re having more food,” Platt explained.

Food options will include the Hungry Burro, Sweet Treats Doughnuts, The Pig-Out Place, Divine Nutrition, as well as ice cream, Italian ice, popcorn and lemonade vendors.

Platt noted that Heritage Day fits nicely with the fact that this coming weekend is also Alumni Weekend for graduates of Portville Central School.

“It’s a good way to showcase. Our alumni comes in town, they go to Heritage Day, we have a tent there. People can meet each other there,” she said. “It’s a really big weekend here.”