Chelsea Bossert/Daily Mining Gazette BigGoat Farm collaborated with Keweenaw Queers on Saturday to host its last fundraising event before Keweenaw Pridefest on June 6 in Calumet. Those who donated could hang out with the many goats on the farm and enjoy the sunshine. 

HOUGHTON — The last fundraising push before Keweenaw Pridefest took place at BigGoat Farm in Houghton Saturday. Those who visited the farm donated ten dollars at the gate and were treated to a fun day of petting goats, light refreshments, tarot reads and a musical performance by a local artist.

Keweenaw Queers President, Emily Stanton, said this final fundraising effort for Keweenaw Pridefest capped off an incredibly successful campaign.

“This year, we did more fundraisers than we have ever done,” she said. “People were very generous to us and we were able to meet our goal. So, Pridefest is completely funded.”

According to Keweenaw Queers board members, around 100 people showed up to BigGoat farm to donate and spend time there.

Keweenaw Queers and supporters celebrated the last event before Pridefest by hanging out with the farm’s goats, doing yoga, eating healthy foods, participating in Tarot readings and listening to live music.

Danielle and Grace Perkowitz own BigGoat farm and collaborated with Keweenaw Queers to host the event. Danielle said she and Grace wanted to emphasize community and joy above all else.

“I think there’s a lot of things going on that can maybe make us stressed, or (make) our lives are overwhelming, or there’s so many things going on,” she said. “I think when we’re able to be together like this with just some happiness and a sense of community — it really helps you feel hopeful and at peace.”

Danielle helped out with the snacks, coordinating with yoga and live music, while her wife, Grace, stood by the goats’ pen and let people in and out of the area. Grace said running a farm while defying expectations as a woman and queer-owned business uniquely positions her and Danielle among other farmers.

“Being queer and just being women, running a farm, we get a lot of surprise looks,” she said. “I think it’s just good to see the diversity, you know, we all value good, healthy food, and it’s nice to see folks that other people can identify with doing this.”

Fresh Coast Yoga ran two outdoor yoga sessions where they welcomed anyone to join — regardless of skill level. Jo Poeschl serenaded people sprawled out on the grass with acoustic folk tunes. The main event of the day: interacting with the goats, was enjoyed by everyone.

Stanton said she hopes the same energy brought to this event will be at Keweenaw Pridefest. According to Keweenaw Queers, shuttle buses will bring people from Houghton, near the MUB, and Hancock, near La Catina, to the Calumet Colosseum on Saturday.

Keweenaw Pridefest takes place from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at the Calumet Colosseum. Arts and crafts, community tables, food trucks and live music will highlight the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the Keweenaw.

Stanton said events like the fundraiser at BigGoat and the Keweenaw Pridefest are important because support for LGBTQ+ residents is essential for growing a tight-knit community.

“I think it’s really important that we have queer visibility,” she said. “We are your coworkers, we’re your friends, we’re your family, we’re your neighbors — we live here too.”