Oneida County Pride reflects on 2025 and looks to 2026

The Oneida County Pride Alliance, formed after the 2022 Utica Pride Festival, became a 501(c)(3) in 2025 and drew about 1,200 attendees to its 2025 festival; the group says it needs more volunteers and resources as it plans events for 2026.

The Oneida County Pride Alliance has expanded since its start after the 2022 Utica Pride Festival, and its founder and president, Ace Morreale, says the organization is preparing for increased demand as it looks ahead to 2026. The group formalized its structure in 2025 and has been running a growing calendar of events across Oneida County. Leaders say the increase in attendees and requests for help reflects wider movements of LGBTQ+ people to the region. The alliance reports limited direct organizational-level hostility, but notes occasional hateful comments online. Key details: - The alliance formed after the 2022 Utica Pride Festival and was organized initially by volunteers. - In 2025 the group was recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, and expanded from three to five board members. - The 2025 Pride Festival at Utica University drew about 1,200 attendees and roughly 100 vendors. - The alliance hosted about 85 events in 2025 and projects its current Pride Festival will include around 100 events. - Partners in recent programs include the Estate Law Center for estate-planning sessions and Stop the Bleed for emergency response training. - Leaders report increasing requests for housing help, legal paperwork (such as name changes), and other resources, while the nearest dedicated LGBTQ+ shelter is noted as being in Syracuse. Summary: The alliance’s growth in 2025 increased demand for space, volunteers and services, and leaders say community partnerships have begun to expand the support available. For 2026 the group plans more events and collaborations but reports limited resources to meet rising needs.