After encountering some resistance, "Pride at PARC" took place Oct. 16 in Plainfield, with hundreds of people attending.
The event took place at the Plainfield Park District's Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (PARC). Among other things, the event featured musicians and a family-friendly drag story hour.
During the planning process, which included getting approval from the park district's Board of Commissioners to use PARC, Plainfield Pride was faced with hostility from some in the community. Organizers were called "groomers, pedophiles and mentally unfit," Plainfield Pride Executive Director Jes McIlvain told Patch.
Recent board meetings that included Plainfield Pride's event on the agenda became contentious, McIlvain added. Invited to speak at "Pride at PARC," Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis said he wouldn't be able to attend due to conflicting schedules but will be submitting a letter of support to be read at the event.
Following the most recent meeting, park district officials said they would honor the contractual agreement to license "Pride at PARC" after event organizers threatened to sue over the inclusion of the family-friendly Drag Queen Story Hour, according to a statement.
Photos of the event by Kelly Alexander/Monarch Photo