Pride Event Canceled, Called 'Divisive:' Greenfield Mayor Responds

GREENFIELD, WI — After an event celebrating Pride was quietly pulled from Greenfield's upcoming farmer's market, the city's mayor is responding to criticism that the decision was a disservice to the community.

The city's health department had been encouraging people to show up to Sunday's market wearing pride colors, a report by TMJ4 noted. A group photo was planned for the day, as well as an information booth from the health department. But days before the market, on Wednesday, a resident noticed the events were deleted from Facebook, TMJ4 reported. By Wednesday evening, the events could not be found on the city's website.

The move quickly came under scrutiny, and after controversy arose over the decision, Mayor Michael Neitzke is asserting all are welcome at Greenfield's market, and that his primary concern was the safety of citizens and guests. A report by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that the health department is still planning to bring educational resources to a booth at the market.

In response to a question from Patch asking what LGBTQ people in Greenfield should think about the cancellation, Neitzke said. "All people are welcome here. I hope everyone enjoys our great Market."

It wasn't immediately clear what exactly led to the event being pulled, but Neitzke told reporters he had "agreed with staff that some of the tone and tenor that was out there could adversely impact the Farmers Market and its mission as a great destination."

"Things like 'pride' and 'rainbows' have taken on deep, divisive political overtones-sometimes that turns to physical altercations-the recent County Supervisor incident comes to mind, though I don’t know the specifics about that," Neitzke wrote in a statement. "Ultimately, people go to the Farmers Markets to buy local products and support local vendors. It shouldn’t be a place where our visitors are confronted by those who have strong political beliefs, and those same visitors, even in the remotest way, shouldn’t have to be worried about exposure to something that jeopardizes their safety."

In his explanation, Neitzke referenced an attack against Milwaukee County Supervisor Peter Burgelis. Burgelis, the county's first openly gay supervisor, had to undergo surgery after an attack on June 12 at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, his office reported at the time. A man called the county supervisor a homophobic slur before punching him in the face, Burgelis told CBS58.

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"There are those against the cancellation and others for it. All of that considered, I just want the City to be a better place," Neitzke continued. "A politics free Market doesn’t solve the anger and divisiveness out there. But, being free of the politics does give us all 4 hours to just enjoy the Farmers Market. I’m ultimately responsible for the health and safety of our residents and guests. All are welcome in Greenfield, and always have been and will be. That has not changed, nor will it. Unfortunately, trying to make a decision to remove the politics has made it political."

Despite the attack in Wauwatosa, Burgelis said the Pride cancellation in Greenfield was "not motivated by a threat to protect his residents, but rather another divisive action that further divides our communities."

A news release from Burgelis' office on Wednesday in response to the cancellation said the celebration was meant to be a joyful and inclusive gathering to celebrate diversity and promote unity.

"This unilateral action to cancel is an insult to the LGBTQ+ community and a disservice to the public at large," Burgelis said. "Whether the mayor un-cancels or not, I’m confident that there will be many more rainbows at the farmers market this Sunday than he expected. I’ll be there for strawberries!”

After Burgelis circulated his news release to media, Neitzke responded to him in an email. The two also had a phone call, according to Burgelis' assistant.

"My primary concern is always the safety of citizens and guests to our City and the events that it holds. That’s my job, and I take it seriously. I try desperately not to engage in politics. I hope you understand that, which I think you do," Neitzke told Burgelis in a statement obtained by Patch. "I think it is absolutely wonderful that the LGBTQ community intends to attend our Market in force on Sunday to show their colors and Pride! Our hours are 10-2, and I think you’ll find some great strawberries. It’s an honor to have your presence."

By Thursday morning, Neitzke followed up again with Burgelis: "If my decision and your decisions result in a celebratory, safe Farmers Market for everybody in every community, then it is a success. That’s what it should be," the Mayor of Greenfield wrote.

Patch has filed an open records request with the Greenfield Health Department and the city's mayor's office for communications regarding the pride event. The manager for the farmers market was not responsive via phone or email.

On Wednesday, after controversy arose about the cancellation, the farmers market published its latest recipe of the week on its Facebook page, an "eat the rainbow chopped salad."

"Fun fact: Eating a variety of types and colors of produce are essential to give your body a mix of nutrients that are vital for good health!" the market wrote in its Facebook post alongside the recipe.