09/26/2025
We stand behind this statement with its entirety, we will be back stronger than ever!
Good afternoon Grand Haven.
We wanted to talk with you about our event, Pancakes & Wigs, scheduled for tomorrow morning,
We’ve received news today that some of the performers don’t feel safe coming into our community and unfortunately, they aren’t willing to put each other at risk and honestly neither are we so we are cancelling this weekend's event.
We are so happy for all the support we’ve received about our hosting this event and we are encouraged that Grand Haven has shown that not only do they welcome events that showcase diversity, equality and inclusion, but they are excited for them as well.
At first, we were worried because some people were being pretty abrasive and downright ugly with the comments and misinformation they shared about the event and our business. It would have been comical if it weren’t for the passion and joy they seemed to get from trying to shut down an event they would never attend in the first place. We thought about cancelling the event. We were worried about the safety of the performers, our staff and our guests.
But then we heard from you, the residents of Grand Haven. The outpouring of support we have received from our local community has been a game changer. It recharged us and gave us even more motivation to continue our efforts to be welcoming to everyone.
Remember that the event was designed in part around raising and donating money to AYA Youth Collective, a charity that creates communities, rooted in belonging, for youth experiencing instability to own their future AND Grand Haven Pride Festival, an event 100% focused on diversity, inclusion and equality in our community.
Unfortunately for the residents of our community, events like these can be polarizing and a few people morally object to the performers right to perform. Through this process we were given the opportunity to communicate with some of these people about their feelings regarding these types of events and have a positive discussion with them. It renewed our faith in the community that some of these people were willing to discuss the facts. We think one of the ways to move forward is to encourage a healthier and more respectful dialog based upon facts.
We have heard you Grand Haven! We will be hosting this event again soon enough, so look for it to get better, louder and stronger. This is not us going quietly into the night. This is the next step for all of us who are working to keep Grand Haven moving in the positive direction.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to the performers and their families. Next time we do this, we promise that you’ll feel safe and welcomed to our city.
#𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰
PS - The photo is a pic of one of good things to come out of this experience. This is one of the versions of October's Brunch Features - PANCAKE SUNDAE - and was inspired by the event PANCAKES & WIGS!