Downtown Spencer Festival Ordinance Committee

I think reasonable guidelines can be found to accommodate parents' concerns without eliminating any of the existing festivals and events, perhaps family -friendly event hours and adults only hours.

The (specifically pride) festivals and general sense of community that come with them are a huge part of the reason my family chose to move here, and why we continue to love this town. Banning these events would be such a loss for the whole community.

I live Spencer. Please Keep ALl festivals and community events let Spencer continue to be the welcoming, excepting loving community it has been

2262 State Road 67 Gosport, Indiana. Apple Butter festival needs to be returned to downtown as well. My family and most of our friends will not go fair grounds anymore! We went the first year because of road construction and were so disappointed!! Everyone was told it was due to road construction and would return the following year. Many in the community as well as those who use to come from afar either to return home or return to festival as they have done for years we were lied to and deceived !!!

Petitioning for festivals to continue to be at the Spencer Indiana courthouse square.

These commisioners work for the citizens.Downtown should be a centerpiece of community.

Spencer resident of 10 years and extremely proud of the events and efforts that have brought so much togetherness and engagement. It's a rare thing, even in small communities, and it's helped put this small community on the map. Given the leanings of the Owen County community, I'd think business and government working together would be a no-brainer.

Please allow the courthouse lawn to be used for pride and other events. Downtown Spencer has came alive the last few years and I'd hate to see that go.

Shame on those cowards who seem to pander to the closed-minded.

I work in Bloomington but my work takes me to all the surrounding counties, and Owen is my favorite! Just yesterday I bought birthday gifts at Juniper, paid for an ad in the Spencer Evening World, and stopped for a sandwich at Main Street Coffee. I've been coming here for 30 years, and I used to think it was sort of sad and depressing. But lately, so I've been so excited to see the restoration of downtown buildings and new businesses! My friends and I make special trips to the Tivoli & Civilian in large part because I love that Spencer has a pride fest and pride community center. It's so cool that a small town embraces all members of its community! The Pridefest is fun and lively, and anyone who thinks it's not family friendly has never been. OC Commissioners, I'll be vastly disappointed if you don't realize this is something that draws money, support, visitors, and goodwill to Owen County, and is a huge economic benefit. Also...just have a heart! What you do says a lot about your community, its generosity and its warmth. That's important in this 21st century!

My childhood memories of events around the square are treasured and I hope the city works to provide opportunities for all events to center here. The value of this location became important to me at two different times: (1) the town where I lived recently had no town center and instead was like a strip-mall sprawl. The community lacked unity. Town square events and shops create a core to a community which may not be noticed until one lives in a place without this treasure. (2) when the Apple Butter Festival was not on the square during my last visit home. The presence of town square festivals and shops influences my decisions on where to go for pleasure, education, socializing and inevitably where to spend my money. If Spencer loses this, people will choose other towns offering that inviting component. With the formation of a committee for events, whatever obstacles/inadequacies/inconveniences can be addressed and improvements made to ensure access, safety and enjoyment for all.

I do not live in Spencer but I do travel there occasionally and pass through on my way to Bloomington. I value the Spencer Pride storefront and festival. It is something especially needed for LGBTQ+ youth who struggle to feel accepted in rural communities. (By the way, I’m straight and a staunch ally.) Having festivals in the downtown area have attracted me there when otherwise it is unlikely I would’ve come to Spencer (used to come there a lot for business at White Arts but I’m now in a different line of work). After coming to Spencer Pride and seeing other downtown businesses, I have returned to a restaurant and to another store. Each time we spent $ in Spencer. I’m not sure the people who stirred this pot realize (or care) about the economic impact and the effect on the town’s reputation they may cause. I have recommended Spencer Pride to a lot of people who attended and enjoyed it; some comments being, “There’s a small town that welcomes me and my partner” or “It was wonderful for my kid to feel accepted in IN.” Now I’m hearing, “I don’t want to go where I’m not wanted.” Tho I’m cautioning that the folks who provoked the original petition are not the majority view, it’s damaging Spencer’s reputation.

We have attended events in downtown Spencer presented by Spencer Pride. Our groups have ranged from 4-10 members. We stayed at the Canyon Inn & spent money at area restaurants and businesses . We believe in the importance if downtown events as a way to bring the city together & showcase what you have to offer.

My family and I drive from Indy to enjoy Spenser Pride's event. So appreciate the inclusive nature of the event. Don't you want my tax dollars?

Communities are often composed of individuals with varying beliefs. Whether we, as individuals, agree with all of these beliefs they should maintain the same right to the basic freedoms others share. In 10 years I can find no event held that was detrimental to other community members, regardless of whether they felt the desire to attend or not. Simply put it is unethical to exercise any biases with regards to events held to please others within the community. Should anyone find that certain events are not within their own beliefs or expressions, they have the option to go to other events. No one is being forced to attend all events, and no events should be canceled to cater to one belief or another. Having multiple events that cater to the varied needs of the people allows for an unbiased management of town resources, such as the property they are held on. Any other action excersises bias or prejudice that will likely result in increasing negative publicity that may damage the efforts made to revitalize the town.

This is a loved and necessary festival. I nearly bought a home in Spencer, if not for the long commute, just because of your downtown area flourishing with business and inclusivity. Know that your town is being discussed among wealthy developers and realtors because of your strong Pride presence.

Traditional places of public gathering should not be shut down simply because local officials disagree with the topic of that gathering. That's cowardly and unamerican.

Keep ALL Festivals in Spencer, Indiana - Held on and around the Owen County Courthouse Square.

622 n 5th st Gosport in 47433

Truly miss the days when events were centered around the Tiwn Square, and now with the revitalization of downtown, it only makes sense to have those events back there again.