Amid Complaints, Upper Frankford Township, PA, Firefighters Pull Plug on Drag Show

A Cumberland County volunteer fire company this week canceled an upcoming drag show at its social hall that was set to benefit a local toy drive, but organizers say the show will go on at a new location.

The event, Christmas in July Charity Drag & Variety Show, organized by Carlisle Creative Vibes, was scheduled to take place in the Upper Frankford Township Volunteer Fire Company’s social hall on July 11.

On Thursday, the fire company posted a release on its Facebook page. The statement said the “difficult decision” to cancel the event came after careful consideration, input from the community and a focus on a “neutral and supportive environment for all who rely on our emergency services.”

“As a volunteer fire company, we’re committed to serving and protecting all members of our community, and our priority is to maintain focus on our core mission which includes Emergency Fire & EMS response, public safety, and community support. While we strive to be inclusive and welcoming, we also must ensure our events and hall rentals align with our mission and responsibilities as a community-based emergency service provider and we recognize that this particular event has drawn a level of attention and concern that may detract from our primary responsibilities,” the statement said.

Carlisle Creative Vibes on Friday evening posted to its Facebook page, reiterating its mission of including all despite social divides.

“When we announced our Christmas in July Drag & Variety Show on July 11th to benefit the Downtown Carlisle Police Toy Drive, we never expected it would shine such a bright light on the divide that still exists in our community,” the post said.

“Here at CCV, our mission has always been one of inclusion, creativity, and kindness. We’ve never been about pushing people apart—we’re about bringing people together. That includes supporting our first responders, our firefighters, our officers, and every single human being who calls this town home.”

Carlisle Creative Vibes also condemned all forms of hate and said having different viewpoints is no reason to treat others poorly.

“Fighting hate with more hate only deepens the pain. It’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to have different beliefs. But it’s never okay to treat others with cruelty, assumptions, or disrespect,” the statement said.

“Please be kind to one another. Every person has a story, and often we only see a small piece of it. Lead with empathy. Speak with compassion. And let’s continue to be the kind of community that shows up, supports each other, and listens—even when it’s hard.”

Carlisle Creative Vibes announced Friday the show will go on — at its store at 152 North Hanover Street in Carlisle.

“Despite a disappointing and hurtful decision by the Upper Frankford Township Volunteer Fire Company to deny our event—after pressure from a few loud, hateful voices—we’re here to say loud and proud: WE’RE NOT BACKING DOWN. THE SHOW IS STILL ON!," the post said.

Tickets, available online at Carlisle Creative Vibes’ website, are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

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