**BREAKING NEWS: Fairbanks Fair Drag Show Cancelled Due to Threats to Staff, Executive Director Says**
**March 15, 2025**
**FAIRBANKS, ALASKA** — In a shocking turn of events, the highly anticipated drag show at the Fairbanks Fair has been officially cancelled due to serious threats made against the staff and performers. The announcement was made earlier today by the event’s executive director, who cited safety concerns as the reason for the cancellation.
The drag show, which was scheduled to take place this weekend as part of the annual Fairbanks Fair, had been a popular attraction in previous years, drawing large crowds and celebrating LGBTQ+ culture. However, in the days leading up to the event, several threats were made against the organizers, performers, and staff, prompting local authorities to intervene and a decision to be made to cancel the show.
### Safety Concerns Lead to Cancellation
The executive director of the Fairbanks Fair, Laura Mills, addressed the community in a statement, explaining that despite the fair’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the safety of the performers and staff had to be prioritized. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of this year’s drag show. We have been made aware of credible threats to the safety of our staff and performers, and after consulting with law enforcement and our security team, we feel that it is not safe to proceed with the event,” Mills stated.
Mills further emphasized that the decision, although difficult, was made to protect everyone involved. “We believe in providing a safe space for everyone, and while we are disappointed by this turn of events, the safety of our performers, staff, and audience members must come first. We will continue to work towards creating an inclusive environment for all in our community.”
### Threats and Increased Security Measures
The threats that led to the cancellation reportedly included messages on social media, as well as direct threats made to the venue and individuals involved with the show. Local authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the nature of these threats, which they consider to be serious, and are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and security teams to ensure that everyone remains safe, and we are doing everything we can to address these threats,” said Mills. She also mentioned that additional security would have been present at the event, but the decision was ultimately made to cancel it altogether out of caution.
The threats have sparked concern within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, as many view this cancellation as an attack on freedom of expression and inclusivity. The drag show was set to feature local drag performers as well as special guest appearances, and its cancellation has left many disappointed and saddened.
### Community Reactions and Support for Drag Performers
The cancellation has sparked an outpouring of support for the drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community in Fairbanks. Many local residents and advocates have expressed their anger and frustration, denouncing the threats and calling for more protection of such events.
“We should be able to celebrate art and diversity without fear of violence or intimidation,” said Maria Delgado, a Fairbanks resident and vocal LGBTQ+ ally. “This is a sad day for our community, but we will continue to fight for inclusion and support our drag artists. They deserve to perform without fear.”
Social media has also been filled with messages of solidarity. One Twitter user wrote: “The cancellation of the Fairbanks Fair drag show is an act of hate, and it will not stand. We will continue to fight for our community’s right to exist and thrive. Drag is art, and it has a right to be celebrated.”
### Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
The cancellation of the drag show has raised concerns among members of the LGBTQ+ community, who already face heightened discrimination and violence in some areas. For many, drag shows are not just entertainment; they are an important part of LGBTQ+ culture, providing a platform for self-expression and visibility.
“We’re seeing a growing trend of hostility toward LGBTQ+ events, and it’s really disheartening,” said Alexis Martin, a local drag performer who was scheduled to participate in the show. “Drag is a form of resistance, and while I understand that there are people who don’t understand or appreciate it, this kind of hatred has no place in our community.”
Local LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have rallied behind the performers and organizers, vowing to continue supporting safe spaces for the community. The Fairbanks LGBTQ+ Alliance issued a statement condemning the threats and reaffirming their commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone.
“We stand with the performers, the staff, and the organizers of the Fairbanks Fair drag show. This is a setback, but we will not let fear stop us from being who we are or expressing ourselves,” the statement read.
### What Happens Next?
Although the drag show has been cancelled, organizers are hopeful that this is a temporary setback. The Fairbanks Fair committee has said that they are committed to finding a way to reschedule the event in the future, ensuring that the drag show will be able to return to the community when it is safe to do so.
In the meantime, local businesses, organizations, and community leaders have expressed their intent to organize other events to show solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, discussions are taking place regarding how to better protect and defend events like this one in the future, with an emphasis on stronger security measures and community involvement.
Local authorities have also promised to investigate the threats thoroughly and pursue all possible avenues to hold accountable those responsible for instigating them. “We take threats of this nature very seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of our community,” said Fairbanks Police Chief Robert Sanchez.
The drag community in Alaska remains strong, and many are vowing to continue advocating for the right to celebrate their culture and art without fear. As this situation unfolds, the support for drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow, both in Fairbanks and across the state.
**Próximas actualizaciones**: Authorities continue to investigate the threats, and more updates on the situation are expected as the community responds to the cancellation of the drag show.
