Color Fairhope with Pride event begins weekend of festivities, opposing group protests nearby

By NATALIE WILLIAMSON
Reporter
natalie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 6/3/23

FAIRHOPE— As people gathered to celebrate Prism United Fairhope’s third annual Color Fairhope with Pride event on June 3, a group called the Common Sense Campaign TEA Party hosted Keep …

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Color Fairhope with Pride event begins weekend of festivities, opposing group protests nearby

Posted

FAIRHOPE— As people gathered to celebrate Prism United Fairhope’s third annual Color Fairhope with Pride event on June 3, a group called the Common Sense Campaign TEA Party hosted Keep Fairhope Friendly, demonstrating their beliefs and creating a juxtaposition of views.

Color Fairhope with Pride featured multiple local vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry and other items. Hundreds of attendees had the opportunity to enjoy live music performances by Emily Stuckey and Cody Copeland. Participants also showcased their creative skills by drawing on sidewalks with chalk and participated in a silent auction.

Sarah Fischer, site director of Prism United Fairhope, stated that the objective of Color Fairhope with Pride is to provide an opportunity for the LGBTQ community in Fairhope and surrounding areas to celebrate life and love. Fischer emphasized the importance of hosting such events. "As long as there are people who still feel like they could be treated as an abomination just for who they are, there needs to be spaces where they feel celebrated and safe and comfortable, and they know that they belong,” Fischer said.

In response to Color Fairhope with Pride, the Common Sense Campaign TEA Party announced on their Facebook page on June 2 that they would gather at Bluff Park to voice their concerns about "the woke agenda that wants to destroy traditional families as a part of the Radical Left's Marxist plan to destroy the America the Founders created."

The group, comprising approximately 40 people, held a peaceful demonstration where they read scripture and discussed the importance of sharing the Word of God. Seated in lawn chairs under the shade of several large trees, they held American flags and signs that read "Let Kids Be Kids" and "Protect Our Children's Innocence." Dr. Scott Catino, Carol Wilson, and others delivered speeches during the gathering.

Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Dasinger, who attended and spoke at Keep Fairhope Friendly, expressed that the purpose of the gathering is to spread the word of the Lord. Dasinger highlighted the importance of hosting such events, stating, "As Christians, we are called to fight and stand up for the Lord and not let evil and sin take over, especially when it comes to our youth."

Despite their differing views, both groups peacefully participated in their respective events, exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.

Prism United Fairhope will host the second day of Color Fairhope with Pride on June 4 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at South Beach Park. The Common Sense Campaign TEA Party will gather for prayer on June 4 at 11:45 a.m. at the Fairhope Municipal Parking Deck.