Some vendors left during the two-hour prayer-filled performance at Walla Walla Point Park, and members of the public question why the band was featured at a publicly-funded event
I understand sponsors included Awaken Church, GCC members and/or affiliated business(es). Weren't they among those who protested Drag Queen Story Hour at Pybus because they might have to unwillingly see and hear it? Religious privilege is prevalent in our valley.
Thank you for exposing this, Dominick. The performance in question was beyond inappropriate. It was wrong. I'm glad that some venders took a stand and packed up and left, but I'm sorry for the disruption to their day. I was at the park on the 4th at a point when there was a way-too-long gap between pie eating and whatever followed. Had I been present at missionary time, I would have high-tailed it out of there in search of a drag queen story hour.
I know they had a Christian artist in 2013 and Yakima also had one around the same time-frame at their Independence Day celebration. I honestly just thought it was a way to get affordable artists with G-rated lyrics. As opposed to this year's Chief for a Day event that played Kesha's "TikTok" amongst all those grade-schoolers and the "po-po"
Yeah yikes. Not a good look for a public event. And I suppose an rfp isnt required if no govt is paying for the committee's work, but clearly somebody with authority maybe should review the committee's final plan? This is a no-brainer tho. Bet you dont hear from this Kelley. Did anybody see any fundraising activity for this event? Anyway, thx Dominick!
We didn't go until pre-funk was on stage, so I only heard reference to this. One of my friends is in the band, but my party wasn't impressed by their choice of "Stacy's mom" as a song at a family event either.
I'm curious at the comment that this is Kelley's last year organizing. Is that her choice or the committee's or do you know?
Definitely agree this wasn't the right group for a public event.
I understand sponsors included Awaken Church, GCC members and/or affiliated business(es). Weren't they among those who protested Drag Queen Story Hour at Pybus because they might have to unwillingly see and hear it? Religious privilege is prevalent in our valley.
Who is on "the Committee"?
Thank you so much for bringing this to the public's attention, Dominick! Great article!
Thank you for exposing this, Dominick. The performance in question was beyond inappropriate. It was wrong. I'm glad that some venders took a stand and packed up and left, but I'm sorry for the disruption to their day. I was at the park on the 4th at a point when there was a way-too-long gap between pie eating and whatever followed. Had I been present at missionary time, I would have high-tailed it out of there in search of a drag queen story hour.
I know they had a Christian artist in 2013 and Yakima also had one around the same time-frame at their Independence Day celebration. I honestly just thought it was a way to get affordable artists with G-rated lyrics. As opposed to this year's Chief for a Day event that played Kesha's "TikTok" amongst all those grade-schoolers and the "po-po"
Yeah yikes. Not a good look for a public event. And I suppose an rfp isnt required if no govt is paying for the committee's work, but clearly somebody with authority maybe should review the committee's final plan? This is a no-brainer tho. Bet you dont hear from this Kelley. Did anybody see any fundraising activity for this event? Anyway, thx Dominick!
We didn't go until pre-funk was on stage, so I only heard reference to this. One of my friends is in the band, but my party wasn't impressed by their choice of "Stacy's mom" as a song at a family event either.
I'm curious at the comment that this is Kelley's last year organizing. Is that her choice or the committee's or do you know?
Definitely agree this wasn't the right group for a public event.
Her Facebook page posted a week ago that this would be her final year organizing. So nothing to do with the schedule choices.