Cooperstown Wraps-Up Pride Month in June with Fun-Filled Block Party on Main Street

COOPERSTOWN, NY (JUNE 4, 2024) - June is Pride Month in the state of New York, a celebration of LGBTQ+ self-identity, inclusivity, and equality. To celebrate, local businesses and community members have partnered with the Otsego Pride Alliance to present the first annual Cooperstown Pride Block Party. Highlighting Cooperstown's distinctiveness, this family-friendly event extends a warm invitation to the entire community and visitors alike, encouraging the promotion of equality and the celebration of diversity. The Cooperstown Pride Block Party is set to take place on Sunday, June 30th, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Pioneer Park (Main St and Pioneer St).

Last year, Cooperstown etched its name in history by orchestrating the inaugural Cooperstown Pride Weekend. The collaborative efforts of businesses and community members resulted in a remarkable achievement, raising over $2400 to contribute to the support of Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance organization.

"The mission of Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance is to foster a more inclusive and celebratory environment for our LGBTQ+ community, allies, and all students,” says Rebecca Burk-Sciallo, Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance Co-Advisor. “We’re extremely grateful for the huge support we’re receiving from the community and will continue to build a safe space for students to express themselves, affirm their identities, and access necessary resources as they navigate their journey."

This year, local businesses and community members are excited to announce the inaugural Cooperstown Pride Block Party. Attendees can anticipate a variety of family-friendly activities, including free face painting, kid’s crafts, and games, along with a special appearance by the Hill City Ice Queens. Additionally, there will be lively DJ-sets featuring DJ Raphael and special guests from the community. Collaborations are underway with NY Goat Yoga, Susquehanna SPCA, Stagecoach Coffee, The Local Bird, Weinert's Elk Creek Farm, Lamb Realty, Rudy's Liquor Store, Glimmerglass Festival, Friends of The Village Library of Cooperstown, Landmark Inn, and other businesses to enhance the block party experience with various activations and special events. This all-ages event is free and open to the public. Join us as we come together to celebrate diversity, unity, and inclusion in our community.

To learn more about Cooperstown Pride Block Party visit www.cooperstownpride.com.

About Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance

The Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance mission is to provide a more inclusive and celebratory environment for our LGBTQ+ community, allies, and all students. Every student deserves to be seen and celebrated for the unique that is their life. Identity Alliance’s goals and objectives for extracurricular is to maintain a safe space for all students to express themselves and realize that their identities are valid and should be celebrated. Creating clear expectations that students have rights to take up space in our school community and beyond. To understand their voice and rights while being affirmed in their journey of identity. We will create space where students have a network of safe adults and peers, a place to find and secure needed resources and tools as they navigate their way.

About Otsego Pride Alliance

The mission of Otsego Pride Alliance is to support, raise awareness, and create understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and its needs in the Otsego County area. We work to foster open-mindedness and the creation of safe places for members of the community, allies, friends, and family to express themselves freely. By recognizing the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity we seek to promote an environment in which all feel welcome. To these ends we engage in community outreach, activism, and other activities including an annual Pridefest. www.otsegopridealliance.org