UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills has received threats and protests are expected after the cafe announced they are hosting a drag show where children are welcome.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that they began to receive messages on July 6 from concerned citizens regarding a drag show performance being hosted by the business, located at 2104 West Algonquin Road, scheduled for July 23.
Police say that residents expressed concerns due to children being allowed to attend the event.
According to the event website, children of all ages are welcome and kids’ tickets are reduced price.
The police department and the Lake in the Hills Community Development Department contacted the business owner and have “been in regular communication regarding the event.”
Police say no violations of the Village of Lake in the Hills municipal code were found and no nudity or sexually explicit content is reported to be a part of the scheduled performance.
UpRising Bakery and Cafe’s owner reported receiving in-person and online threats to the business.
In one instance, a bag of feces was left outside near the employee door and a threatening note was left on the door, according to police reports.
The police department said they are aware of protests and counter-protests planned to occur on Saturday.
“The safety and Constitutional rights of everyone who may choose to participate is the priority of the Police Department. We are taking measures to ensure that everyone has the right to engage in peaceful protest,” the police department said in the statement.
“The department will be taking a zero-tolerance approach for those individuals who choose to attend with plans to engage in acts of violence or criminal activity,” the statement added.
Corinna Sac, the owner of the business, said in an interview with WGN that she has been overwhelmed by hate and negativity.
“I just wish that people would understand we’re not targeting children,” Sac said during the interview.
“There are children tickets available for those families who wish to bring their children and for the families who decide that’s OK for their family setting,” she added.