COBLESKILL– On Tuesday, SchoCo Pride INC held its monthly meeting. Several committees shared updates, and more decisions on elections and the by-laws were made. Pride Fest 2026 will take place on June 20th, 2026, rain or shine.
SchoCo Pride is a non-profit group for queer people and allies, and is focusing on creating a Pride event right here in Schoharie county. The group has been holding meetings since August 2025, with a growing number of volunteers to jump start the group getting solidified.
The group began with a moment of silence and reminder to not let ourselves get overwhelmed in sorrow following Alex Pretti’s death in Minneapolis. They reiterated that SchoCo Pride is a non-political group and safe space that welcomes all, so long as they are non-hateful. “Love conquers all,” Krissy Traver stated at a previous meeting. “Community upheaval is the most important thing,” she continued this week. The provisional board encouraged members to take a moment to remember how it feels to have overwhelming love.
The logistics committee shared that Pride Fest 2026 will take place on June 20th. A location has been chosen but is to be announced at a later date. Insurance will be bought once the state and federal 501C3 has been finalized. No alcohol or pyrotechnics/fire will be permitted at Pride Fest 2026.
Then, the funding committee updated. Several grants have been applied for to help fund SchoCo Pride Inc, and Pride Fest. Cobleskill United Methodist Church has offered to help sponsor Pride Fest 2026. Sponsors for SchoCo Pride as a whole are still being discussed.
The entertainment committee shared next. There will be several musicians and motivational speakers, a PG-13 drag performance, yoga, food, fundraisers, and several public service resources such as mental health, drug prevention, NARCAN training, etc. SchoCo Pride is also looking to partner with Matters INC, a non-profit aimed at helping people with substance use disorders get treatment, to help with NARCAN training, drug test strips, appointment resources, housing, and more.
There have been no major updates from the marketing committee or the volunteer committee.
The group voted for a new logo to be used in branding and apparel, designed by Michelle Arrowood. They also decided that self nominations for the official board will begin from January 28th-February 20th. Nominees must have attended SchoCo Pride meetings to be eligible. Voting runs from February 24th-March 30th. Voting will be available in-person or online, with locations being shared on their Facebook and website, once the site goes live.
If you’d like to join future meetings, mailing lists, or learn more, contact Schocopride@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page: SchoCoPRIDE