Logansport skate center welcomes all at Pride fundraiser and drag show

May 17—While there was some commotion outside Logansport Skate World & Fun Center, the inside was full of laughter, bright colors and fun as it hosted the Peru Pride Fundraiser and Family Drag Show Thursday night.

For three hours, the center was packed with skaters from all walks of life. Owner Joshua Weber said close to a hundred people came in within 15 minutes of opening. In addition to skating, attendees could play arcade games or pool, bounce in the bouncy castles or grab food from the cafeteria.

"We got something for everyone, pretty much," Weber said.

The main event, the drag show, started at 7 p.m. Before that, though, drag queens like Aniah Lation and Jessica Starr presented their skating skills on the rink.

"We're having a great time," Aniah Lation said. "I'm already on skates. I haven't fell yet, knock on wood."

Along with showing off their skating skills, the queens walked around and spoke to attendees. They each wore unique outfits, such as Aniah Lation's purple dress with large shoulder pads. Jessica Starr said she has performed as characters like Madonna in the past, but Thursday night, she was Wynonna Judd.

"I've been doing drag for 20 years. I saw my first drag show and it looked like fun and there's so much you can do with drag," Jessica Starr said. "There's so much music, so many costumes."

Attendees could also participate in a silent auction, with the funds going toward Peru Pride, which will host its first Pride festival in the summer.

Outside on the sidewalk along Market Street in front of Skate World, about two dozen protesters held signs and talked to motorists who passed by. Protesters held signs reading "Drag is not family friendly" and "Repent and believe."

Aniah Lation said it might be the first drag show in Logansport and, despite the backlash, the skate center did not back down.

"They're a great, positive resource with the community, just a very safe space for everyone to come out ... not only today, but every day, all the time," Aniah Lation said. "Come out and support them, come see us at our Pride Event crew on Aug. 3."

Skaters of a wide range of ages attended the event. Logansport High School sophomore Dominic Zamora and freshman Kiara DeInnocentes said they loved the event and that it was fun. Zamora said he has always had an interest in drag queens.

"It's for a good cause, too, because you get to donate, and I think it's a great way to start off Pride Month," Zamora said. "I know it's not for like another month, but I still appreciate that."

Adults got in on the fun, too. Jazmynn Feltis and Maggie Rosenbaum brought their daughter along. They both agreed it was nice to have something like the event in Logansport.

Weber said the love and support for the event was overwhelming. They began planning the event four or five months ago. They wanted to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

"Whatever you call it — drag, theater, dressing up, costume — it allows anyone, no matter what age they are to ... kind of find out who they are and be fun and express their selves," Weber said. "And that's really what we want to do here."

Peru Pride will host its festival Aug. 3 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.