Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Waynesville residents praise pride flags, tell council Bridal on Main felt inclusive
Summary
More than 20 residents used public comment at the July 8 Town of Waynesville council meeting to praise the display of pride flags on Main Street during the June 28 Bridal on Main festival, saying the decorations made the event feel welcoming and benefited local businesses. No formal council action was taken at the meeting.
Dozens of residents urged the Town of Waynesville council on July 8 to stand by the pride flags displayed on Main Street during the June 28 Bridal on Main festival, saying the banners made the event safer, more welcoming and economically beneficial for local merchants.
Reverend Mary Clayton McLaughlin, an interfaith minister, told the council, “When I saw the pride flags waving along Waynesville… it made my heart sing.” Several speakers framed the flags as a statement of inclusion and local hospitality rather than a political provocation.
The debate drew a large public turnout: the town attorney noted more than 20 people had signed up to speak. Henson Sturgill, who described himself as a seventh-generation local, said the festival felt like “the good parts…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
