Council discusses Pagan Pride Day

Darla Wynne said she was taken by surprise last Monday night when the agenda for the Great Falls Town Council meeting listed the Charlotte Metro Pagan Pride Day request under new business.

Wynne said she had no idea the event would be discussed during the monthly meeting.

Wynne, the national assistant director of W.A.R.D. (Witches Against Religious Discrimination) is working with the coordinator of the Charlotte Metro Pagan Pride Day chapter to promote the event.

According to a letter from Carla J. Smith, director and local coordinator of the event, the annual event will be held in conjunction with more than 116 other events throughout the world.

The national organization to which the Charlotte Metro Pagan Pride Day chapter belongs requires the chapter to hold its event during September.

Pagan Pride Day is planned for Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Great Falls Complex (park). The event is open to the public and admission is a canned food donation which will be given to Senior Services Inc. of Chester County.

A portion of proceeds raised through vendors' fees will be donated to the Carolinas Raptor Center in Huntersville, N.C. The center, according to Smith's letter, rehabilitates birds of prey, releasing the rehabilitated birds back into the wild. Birds that cannot be released are used for educational purposes throughout the Carolinas.

All used soda cans, the letter stated, will be recycled for the Lincoln County Burned Children's Fund.

According to the letter from Smith, attendance should be no greater than 250 guests.

Activities will include up to 60 vendors, up to 20 information, religious and non-profit organization booths, workshops including a pagan prison ministry workshop by Wynne, networking activities, children's activities including the Good Knights Safety Program by the Great Falls Police Department, food, bands, religious ceremonies and demonstrations, informational displays and interfaith dialogue including chaplains from both the North and South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Organizers say the event will benefit the town in numerous ways including increased visitors, worldwide exposure, increased awareness of environmental and animal welfare concerns and promotion of community relations between different denominational groups.

Council member Barbara Hilton questioned Wynne concerning the dress code for the event, saying she heard some guests may not be clothed. Wynne assured Hilton that clothing would be worn and removal of clothes would not be an option.

Wynne also said the group has a million dollar liability insurance policy for the event. No weapons, drugs or alcohol will be allowed, she added. Security will be provided and a licensed private investigator will also be on the premises.

"We don't expect no problems," Wynne said. "And there will be no bon fires. We intend to abide by the law."

Wynne said children will have the opportunity to take part in the Good Knights Safety Program which teaches children about criminal behavior. Chief Mike Revels, she said, has been provided materials and is trained to conduct the program.

Councilman Glenn Ross expressed his displeasure by saying he did not like seeing the children's program linked with the activity and connected with the Great Falls Police Department.

Wynne told Ross the event will be open to the public and it is up to individuals if they choose to attend.

Mayor H.C. Starnes also questioned why the Charlotte Metro group wanted to hold the festival in Great Falls and Wynne said the group has expanded and now includes the local area.

Following the round of questioning, Councilman Ross said he has serious concerns about Great Falls being linked to the event. He said he does not want the town linked to the activity in any means or listed on a flyer.

"Great Falls is already linked to controversy," Wynne said. "This would improve its image and prove the town does not discriminate."