In an effort to fight back against the stigma surrounding substance abuse, the town of New Paltz threw a party.

The Office of Community Wellness held its second annual Recovery Fest at the Ulster County Fairgrounds over the weekend.

Some people on the road to recovery say it was more than just a party featuring face painting, live music and food.

They say community events with a focus on addiction are chances for people-in-recovery to work on their social habits, even those who have been in recovery for a long time.

Partners for the event included: Step One Child and Family Guidance Center, Imperial Guitar and Soundworks and Kingston Nissan – who helped people get to the event.