Protesters and counter-protesters were at UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills on Friday and Saturday. | Photo: UpRising Bakery and Cafe

Protesters and counter-protesters have gathered in recent days at UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills ahead of another planned family-friendly drag show event.

The business said on social media that protesters gathered Friday and Saturday.

Counter-protesters also stood outside the business on Saturday to show their support.

Lake in the Hills police were standing by at the business.

The Northwest Herald reported that James Gustafson, an Arizona resident, traveled to UpRising because he does not think kids should be present at drag shows, like what the business has previously hosted.

Gustafson told the Herald he plans to be at the bakery every day. “I already rented a tent for the winter with a heater. This is my new home,” he said.

UpRising Bakery and Cafe said they were closed Sunday after selling out of food thanks to the support of their customers on Saturday.

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Police say that UpRising Bakery and Cafe, 2104 West Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, was vandalized on July 23, 2022, before a controversial drag show was scheduled to take place later that day. | Photo: UpRising Bakery and Cafe

Thank you to every single person who came out yesterday to support us, stand with us, spread love and joy with us. I donโ€™t think this is the last time weโ€™ll need you to be our line of defense. I am so happy that you kept it peaceful and no one was hurt (thatโ€™s my biggest fear). Please know I appreciate you more than you can ever know,” the business said in a social media post.

In July, UpRising Bakery and Cafe announced they were planning on hosting a family-friendly drag show.

The owner of the business reported receiving in-person and online threats after making the announcement.

UpRising had sustained significant damage early in the morning on July 23, which was the day of the scheduled drag show.

The vandalism forced the business to cancel the event that day.

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Gov. JB Pritzker visits UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills in early August following a hate crime that police said occurred at the business on July 23, 2022. | Photo: JB Pritzker / Facebook

Officers found broken windows and hateful messages spray painted on the building.

Police arrested Joseph I. Collins, 24, of the 11700 block of South Ridgeway Avenue in Alsip.

Collins was charged with hate crime, a Class 4 felony, and criminal damage to property, a Class 4 felony. He has since pleaded not guilty.

In early August, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker visited UpRising Bakery and Cafe to “turn our anger into action and work together to find solutions.”

“We must come together to combat the rising tide of hate against our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends, including the recent hateful attacks at UpRising Bakery and Cafe. Hate has no home here,” Pritzker said at the time.

An 80s-themed drag show and dinner event is planned for September 24 and “all are welcome,” according to the business.

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