Vandals deface parking lot with insults after Pride Fest

Lake Station police are investigating an incident of vandalism at Riverview Park in which someone defaced the parking lot with swastikas and homophobic slurs within a week of the city’s first gay pride celebration.

On Friday, workers asphalted the spray-painted insults in the parking lot on Indiana 51, south of the event site and north of the city’s swimming pool.

The two-day festival on June 1 and 2, sponsored by NWI Pride Fest Inc., drew hundreds of people to the park and organizers donated a portion of the proceeds to area charities. It included a pickleball tournament, drag queen performances and a performance by Rocky Horror Abundance.

Although police did not immediately file a report, the vandalism occurred within a week of the festival.

Mayor Bill Carroll declined to comment on the incident Friday, saying he wanted to wait until the investigation was complete.

However, on social media he said:

“It is disheartening to see our team’s dedication and hard work undermined by severe hate and reprehensible vandalism in our parks. We take immense pride in preserving these places for the community and it is frustrating to see our efforts set back.

“All too often, every step forward is met with setbacks due to the irresponsible actions of a few. However, we remain steadfast and committed to our mission. We will continue to move forward, driven by our commitment to this community. It is important that everyone is as proud of their city as we are.”

Leah Peksenak of Portage, president of the NWI Pride Fest, said Friday she learned of the incident through Carroll’s social media post.

“It’s awful… it’s awful. Of course, at first I wondered if it had something to do with the event,” she said.

She said people reported seeing homophobic remarks and threats related to the festival on social media.

“It’s sad, but you have to say that this was to be expected,” she said. “The mayor knew about it and that’s why we had security forces.”

She said Carroll, who is openly gay, supported the festival.

“Mayor Bill has been wonderful to work with, and we expected some pushback and harassment,” she said. “I think he’s very popular in the city.”

Most or all of the comments under Carroll’s post supported the city’s efforts and expressed sadness and anger over the incident. Some people volunteered to clean up the spray paint.

However, Peksenak’s group and the city are not deterred.

She said they have already booked Pride Fest for next year on June 7 and 8 at Riverview Park.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.