Pridefest the aftermath 2

Neo-Nazi's to the left all but ignored. Cops in riot gear facing Bash Back MKE. I counted about 16 in riot gear. There were five cops on horseback and others in and out of uniform off to the side. That is unusual for pridefest and I wonder what that is going to cost? When I was working security on the weekend near Bar Louie, there were only two cops on horse back in 6 to 8 directing traffic. Now I don't know about you but this is a little out of the ordinary. Don't you think?

Pridefest the aftermath

Another Pridefest is done and over with. I could not make it to the fest Friday night because I had to work patrolling Milwaukee's downtown garages, making sure it is safe and sound for bar goers. I did however go Saturday when the protesters showed up. Only one religious protester was there when I arrived shortly after noon. Inside the grounds were quite pleasant and well planned. I walked around to see what vender's were present. Various organizations surrounded the center grassy area where volleyball was being played. One tent hosted by ARCW had hundreds of condoms displayed in various plastic bins free for the taking. They even had small carry-out containers you could fill to the brim if you so choose.
I cruised the various food vendors with their usual selection of finger food, brats, hamburgers, pizza, corn on the cob and other various and sundry dishes. Tuns of calories and way too much sugar for this diabetics taste and as usual nothing for vegetarians or health food junkies. A usual sore spot for myself and others, I'm sure.
Because of soaring gas prices and in order to save a trip to Chicago, this was a good time to stock up on new tee shirts, jewelery and other paraphernalia. Unfortunately Milwaukee isn't known for its wide variety of gay goods.
Soon after 1 pm the protesters showed up in force. If you want to count about Ten Neo-Nazis a force to be reckoned with. However (Drum roll please) Bash Back Milwaukee showed up about 30 to 40 strong as did the Police. Riot gear and all. It was a stand off to be sure, one group hurling insults back and forth while the Cops (by my count 16 strong in riot gear between them) facing Bash Back and all but ignoring the small group of Neo-Nazis.
Someone must have been watching over the whole thing because around 2:30 pm it started to rain dispersing onlookers and protesters. About this time I left and soon after the downpour began pretty much ending the festivities for the evening.
Sunday I returned. It was sunny but most of the groups that were in the center area had packed up and most tents were empty. The rest of the event went on as planned. So there you have it. My view of Pridefest. Now the only question is whether they broke even or was it a bust? We shall see.
Stay tuned. As soon as I hear something, I'll post it here.

Below is an email I just received just minutes ago

PRIDEFEST WEATHERS THE STORMS
A MESSAGE FROM PRIDEFEST PRESIDENT SCOTT GUNKEL

Many people have expressed concern for PrideFest due to the unprecedented challenges the festival and its patrons faced over the weekend. Both the weather and a small protest drew attention away from the purpose of this event: to celebrate our lives and our community. However, I want to assure you that neither weather nor protesters can or will stop PrideFest and its merry people from celebrating life, love and the history of the LGBT community. While weather and protesters can have an impact on the final results of success, our event is still a success none-the-less. Our crowds were smaller this year than in previous years, but they were a celebratory, hearty bunch. Few people left during Saturday's and Sunday's storms; instead, they stayed together and enjoyed what they could and created an atmosphere of community towards each other by sharing a common experience.
PrideFest's revenues will be down this year from previous years, but because of past successes and sound management, PrideFest will not fall. The strong involvement of the festival's many volunteers, who have worked diligently throughout the year to build financial and operational support, has made PrideFest strong enough to weather the storms.
I must acknowledge all those of the Production Team and Board who work all year long; all those volunteer groups and individuals that came together throughout the weekend; and all the sponsors that came forth and supported PrideFest. You have the thanks of PrideFest, the LGBT community and myself for all you have done to create and maintain this strong and wonderful organization known as PrideFest.
Forward in Pride & Peace,
Scott D. Gunkel
President, PrideFest

Pridefest protest update

Just so you know here is the link to the BashBackMKE plans for a protest at Pridefest. Not only are they going to protest the protesters. That is the Religious Right and the Neo-Nazis but Pridefest itself because they have not included any Lesbians or Trans Folk on the Board or in any type of leadership position. A chronic problem since the festivals inception.

Given what has happened at RiverSplash ( I was there doing patrols) with an almost riot, The director of Pridefest has been conspicuously quiet concerning security measures. I would think that they would publish a statement to the media assuring the public that Pridefest will be doing its utmost to protect festival goers entering the grounds. Perhaps it would be wise to provide an alternate entrance for those with disabilities or who are squeamish about entering at the main gate? Or is this just another example of their gross mismanagement that seems to happen year after year? Then again perhaps we should insist that the President of Pridefest resign and someone with proper management and marketing skills replace him? What do you think?

Here is the link to IndiMedia's announcement for Bash Back Milwaukee plans for their protest.