First-ever ‘Pride in the Park’ in Matthews to feature local vendors amid planned protest

MATTHEWS, N.C. (WBTV) - The first Pride in the Park event in Matthews is scheduled for Sunday at Stumptown Park, and will bring together more than 50 area vendors as protesters plan to gather outside.

Organizer Melissa Easley, with Beer Money Entertainment, said attendees on Sunday, Nov. 15 can expect artists, food trucks, musicians and other vendors from the area. She said none of the vendors advertise as “adult-only.”

“It is absolutely hyper local and even more, they are small businesses that need our community,” Easley said.

Easley said the event is family-friendly and intended to make people feel welcome.

“This is a Matthews business event. And we want everyone to feel loved and welcome and safe,” she said.

Protest planned outside the park

Lisa Metzger, co-founder of Protecting North Carolina Kids, said she plans to protest outside the event. She objects to drag shows advertised as part of Sunday’s gathering, saying they are not appropriate for children.

“When we’re thinking about Pride, we’re thinking about sexual orientation. ...Is this something we should have out for everybody to see who is passing by? No,” Metzger said.

Easley pushed back against the criticism.

“The whole reason we have Pride is because of what you’re seeing. If none of this existed, there’d be no need for Pride,” Easley said.

Town says public facilities are open to all groups

The town of Matthews said all groups, regardless of viewpoint, have the same right to use public facilities as long as they meet the town’s rental requirements and policies.

Pride in the Park is not a town-sponsored event.

Matthews police said officers will be on hand, as they would be for any event. Both Easley and Metzger called for Sunday to remain peaceful.

“We need to stand there, we need to let our voices be heard,” Metzger said.

“They have their right as American citizens to protest and there’s nothing I can say about that,” Easley said. “Obviously, I very much disagree with them. And I think they’re misguided. However, it is their right and that’s where they’re going to be.”

The town of Matthews released a statement ahead of Sunday’s event, clarifying the process for renting public parks.

“Pride in the Park is a privately organized event and is not sponsored by the Town of Matthews. The Town’s public parks are available for rental by individuals and organizations in accordance with established ordinances, policies, and procedures. The event organizer is required to sign a rental agreement acknowledging understanding of such practices. The Town applies these policies consistently, regardless of the viewpoints or messages expressed by event organizers. All groups have the same right to use public facilities, provided they meet the applicable requirements.”

Town of Matthews