COBLESKILL - Hosting an annual public meeting at the firehouse last Thursday, Cobleskill Partnership Inc., better known as CPI, laid out their plans for the events they plan to sponsor in 2026.
A long-time not-for-profit organization around the area, CPI is committed to a mission to not only bolster the local economy through working with developers and driving tourism, but also reinforce the culture and give people a space to come together as a community.
The most obvious way that they do this is through their event schedule, where they’ve sponsored several seasonal fairs like the Arts in the Park program, Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, the Cobleskill Holiday Celebration, and many more.
However, the organization is always looking for ways to improve their outreach. Chief among their schedule in 2026 will be a brand-new event called the Art in Action Festival, which will debut in Veteran’s Park and stretch along Main Street on June 20th.
As presented by Chris Guldner, the co-owner of the Bull’s Head Inn and Vice President of CPI, he claims that the event was inspired by an out-of-town trip where he witnessed a “quick-draw” program with several artists from the area.
He noted that each artist had a period of ninety minutes to showcase their work by starting a new painting and finishing it before the clock ran out. There was an auction held afterward, where each piece ranged from several hundred dollars to several thousand, ultimately raising $350,000 for the host town.
Wanting to bring that same vibrancy to Cobleskill, Mr. Guldner explained that one of the festival’s main attractions will be a similar quick-draw expo and subsequent auction, though they also plan on having live artist demonstrations and a selection of vendors.
“This is going to be a big-time art event,” said Mr. Guldner. “If you want to participate, we do need help.”
CPI President Bruce Tryon followed on his sentiment, noting that if anyone is available to volunteer their time, they can reach out online or in-person through any Board member.
But the new festival won’t be the only draw that the organization is focusing on. As in previous years, the members stated that they plan on re-hosting the Soup Stroll, Cobleskill Clean-Up, Fish and Wildlife Festival, Poker Walk, and more with all of their dates listed on their website.