Update: Farmers market Victorya performance to take place Saturday

Update: Victorya Attwood performance to take place Saturday as originally scheduled. 

The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce in a statement released Tuesday noted that the Victorya Attwood performance will be taking place Saturday, at 11 a.m. as originally planned.

According to information released by the chamber, “As past practice, a promotion of the upcoming artist was shared to the Fort Farmers Market Facebook page for this Saturday. 

“Given the nature of some of the comments shared publicly that were hateful in nature and perceived as threatening to the safety and well-being of Victorya, vendors, attendees and Farmers Market volunteers and staff, the Farmers Market decided to cancel the performance until safety measures could be put in place as a precaution.

“After discussion between the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Farmers Market, and the Fort Atkinson Police Department, it has been decided that the show can continue safely this Saturday.”

The statement continued: “The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce facilitates community programs, services and events that enhance the quality of life for our residents. The Fort Farmers Market is committed to inclusivity and diversity. Lastly, hatred and violence has no place here.”

In response to the statement, Fort Atkinson Unity Project President Dr. Laura Alwin said: “This is wonderful news.” 

Earlier statements released to the media reported the following: 

A performance which was scheduled to take place Saturday during the Fort Atkinson Farmers Market has been canceled. 

Victorya, a drag queen whose performance has been described by members of the Unity Project as “energetic” and “uplifting,” was scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. 

According to a statement released by Unity Project organizers and supporters, Victorya was featured as a performer last year in Whitewater during the city’s Pride event. 

Saturday’s performance was canceled after the performer received unsupportive comments made online according to information supplied to the media by Unity Project in Fort Atkinson organization President Dr. Laura Alwin. 

Information shared by Alwin with the media and Unity supporters stated: “Unfortunately, the performance by Victorya at the market has been canceled. However, we are working on getting Victorya’s contact information and trying to get an alternative venue.

“Unfortunately, the market gave into the online threats by posters that they would never come to the market again since they were supporting this type of thing. One complained it wasn’t ‘family friendly.’  I have seen Victorya perform, there were lots of kids there, her performance was so uplifting.”

The statement continued: “We are grateful to the market for believing that having Victorya at the market would not be a big deal. But we are still disappointed in their decision. 

“Jenny Kalvaitis contacted me immediately after she heard that we were looking for an alternative venue to see if she could donate. Jenny, along with her co-author, Kristen Whitson, wrote ‘We Will Always Be Here, A Guide to Exploring and Understanding the History of LGBTQ+ Activism in Wisconsin.’ We are excited to announce Jenny and Kristen have agreed to speak to the Unity Project at a future meeting.” 

To learn more about the Fort Atkinson Unity Project, visit: https://www.fort4all.com.