DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – N.E.W Pride is hosting a weekend event at the Brown County Fairgrounds later this month that isn’t sitting well with one state lawmaker.
The two-day event features drag shows, including ones where people of all ages are welcomed.
The annual N.E.W. Pride event will be taking place September 22nd and 23rd. On Friday, you have to be at least 21 years old to attend, but on Saturday, all ages are welcome to come.
“Friday is obviously adults only,” said Dawn Radford, who has attended the event in the past. “It will be more like a burlesque show, you’ve probably heard of burlesque and vaudeville. Back then, burlesque was the adults show and vaudeville was the all ages.”
Radford says the content of the drag shows should be nothing new.
“I don’t know about you, I grew up watching the Three Stooges. “We’d go down to the Catholic church basement on a Saturday afternoon. They’d show shorts like that all day long. Those guys started in vaudeville and burlesque. We grew up watching burlesque performers in the basement of the Catholic church. Come on.”
“I don’t understand drag shows,” said State Rep. John Macco, R-Ledgeview. “It’s not my cup of tea, but they have a right to be there.”
Macco says he has no problem with the N.E.W Pride event happening. He just believes attendees must be at least 18 years old.
FOX 11 asked Macco if it is possible to have an event like this that is family friendly and suitable for all ages.
“No, not likely. The whole concept of drag shows and what they do and the fact they’re bringing children in, it’s all very sexualized and there’s no way to undo that.”
FOX 11 asked Radford how it is possible to have a drag show that is appropriate for all ages.
“Don’t drop any F-bombs, make sure there aren’t anywardrobe malfunctions – things like that,” said Radford.
FOX 11 wanted to interview organizers of the event. In a message on Facebook, N.E.W. Pride Alive told us, “At this time our priorities are to ensure our event is safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone, as it has been for over a decade.”
“I would defend their right to have whatever event they want to have, but once you start bringing children in, then I think we have a fiduciary responsibility to police that just like we do with all other events,” said Macco.
“We’re friendly,” said Radford. “We’re harmless. Come on out, see the show. See for yourselves. By the way, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department has been providing security on this event. They’ve seen these shows and they haven’t said a word.”
Besides music and the drag shows, N.E.W. Pride’s event also includes a local history exhibit and fireworks.
