Some disappointed as city of Neenah moves pride event away from downtown [Video]

NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – Neenah city officials are asking organizers to move their pride festival to Riverside Park after giving conditional approval to have the event downtown.

The decision has caused backlash from the event organizers as well as some downtown businesses.

When Dana Johnson and other leaders of Fox Valley Pride look at West Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Neenah they say they see a great opportunity.

“We’d be bringing 3,000 people to the city to essentially support small businesses,” said Johnson who is the festival coordinator for Fox Valley Pride. “It’s a place of hope, of healing, a place where members of the community can come and feel like they have that sense of belonging.”

The group used to be called ‘Appleton Pride,’ but has since expanded and changed its name so it could include all of the Fox Valley. On June 22, they will host a pride event with vendors, live entertainment, and food and drinks. Their problem …