For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — 7 days a week
2151 W. Columbia Ave., near MeijerBronson Urgent Care
31st ‘Summer Songs in Flower’ garden tour set
See PRIDE on 7ADVERTISEMENT3.37w x 1.28h
VOL. 129 NO. 5 THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024 http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com
BATTLE CREEK
SHOPPER NEWS
Dawn Ware of Stoney Creek Drive near Augusta has landscaped her entire yard from front to
back with her cottage style gardening which features some custom wood features crafted by her
husband, Peter. (Shopper News photo by Shelly Kehrle-Sulser) See stroy on page 2Mayor proclaims July Pride
Month in City of Battle Creek
Celebration set for July 18-
SHELLY KEHRLE-SULSER
Executive EditorA rainbow flag flies
over Battle Creek
City Hall now that
Mayor Mark Behnke
has proclaimed July
as “LGBTQ+ Pride
Month” in the city.
While “Pride” is
celebrated across the
nation typically in
June, Battle Creek
Pride hosts its cele-
brations and events in
July, said President
Deana Spencer.
“We do this so we
can support other organizations in other com-
munities,” Spencer said at the July 2 Battle
Creek City Commission meeting. “We can
attend their festivals and it gives them an
opportunity to attend ours and then also, we
can support one another throughout the state
in various cities.”
The flag was raised on Monday, July 1 and
will continue to fly over the city throughout
the month, including July 18-21 when Battle
Creek Pride hosts four day of observances,
starting with a Thursday trivia contest
called “LGBTQ&A” to be held at the Miller
Stone Building and ending with a Sunday
candlelight vigil at the Calhoun Street Pride
Resource Center in remembrance of those
who have been lost to homophobic violence.
“We have a Friday night parade, followed
by a family friendly drag show in partner-
ship with Café Rica that will march down
Michigan Avenue and end there in front
of the restaurant,” said Spencer. “Then on
Saturday, we have a festival from noon to 8
p.m. at Leila Arboretum followed by an 18
plus dance party in partnership with Club
Vortex out of Kalamazoo that will go to mid-The late Matthew
Downing is the 2024
Battle Creek Pride
Parade posthumous
grand marshal.