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NORTH MANCHESTER – At Wednesday night's meeting, North Manchester Town Council heard public comments both for and against a drag show to be held Friday, April 24 in downtown North Manchester.
The show, titled "Guillotine Sally & Kaz the Clown Present: Choose Your Icon, a drag show," will be held at the Firehouse at 108 W. Main St. The Firehouse is a public venue, owned by the town of North Manchester, that can be rented for receptions, events, parties, performing arts and concerts.
During visitor comments over a dozen individuals addressed the council with their opinions and concerns about the show.
One of the individuals hosting the show, Kayla Carver, shared their perspective. "Our differences do not divide us," Carver said. They said the performances at the show are not explicit and while there is some explicit language, it is no higher than a PG-13 level. "You don't have to attend if you do not wish to," Carver said.
Jeff Hawkins, Lutheran pastor and founder of the Firehouse, said the venue was first opened as a "place for all people in town." He said the drag show "is not the threat that it may seem."
Town resident Mark McCombs told council, "This is wrong ... children see bright colors, feathers, and they think it's a game. It's not," he said. "... It's indoctrination."
Town resident Russ Reahard said the members of the public are the "watchmen on the wall" and the "gatekeepers in the community" and urged for "no drag shows, no strip clubs, no Wiccan worship services and Satanism" in North Manchester.
Town resident Karen Volk asked the council to review their lease or rental agreement with the Firehouse, asking if the town has oversight over what events are held there. Volk said she is "totally against that children should be allowed" into a drag show.
Several others from Wabash, Andrews and South Whitley shared their opinions as well.
Following the comments, in the second portion of visitor comments, Carver shared that the show will be changed from all ages welcome to 18-and-up only.
More information on the show can be on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/899484796199836
In new business, council approved a $1,069,507 bid with Gaunt and Sons for the Community Crossings grant-funded street project.
Council approved writing off outstanding 2023 checks totaling $110.09 and voted to reinstate the utility supervisor position.
There was a town docket of $573,652.24 and a utilities docket of $236,647.30.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. March 4.
