NHS 2023 graduates at their graduation ceremony earlier this year. Commerce Chenango and the Norwich City School District have partnered to create the first annual NHS Alumni Weekend, a celebration of the district through a block party, food and activities in the park, a kick off for the NHS football team, and more. (Photo by Eric Korver)

NORWICH — Commerce Chenango has partnered with the Norwich City School District (NCSD) to begin planning the first ever Norwich High School (NHS) Alumni Weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, September 1.

Although details of the event are still being worked out, the organizations plan to have a block party kickoff on Lackawanna Avenue from 5 to 8 p.m., food trucks and a kids' zone in East Park, live music, an alumni football game at NHS put on by the NHS Boosters from 5 to 6 p.m., and an 8 p.m. bonfire in East Park to kick off the NHS football season, which begins the following day.

While the event is centered around NCSD, those that didn't attend the district or graduate from NHS but live in the area are welcome to attend.

"What we’re really trying to do is create connectedness between the school and community. So the last thing you want to do is be exclusive," said NCSD Superintendent Scott Ryan. "The event is intended to be as inclusive as possible ... Come out and support Norwich and support the people that make this such a great place to raise a family and to live."