Glow Gardens provides warm, inclusive holiday tidings
Posted Dec 7, 2021 02:14:00 PM.
When Glow Gardens bought out their B.C. counterpart, they knew they had some work ahead of them.
Following a controversial 2019 event, they were ready to provide the diverse, inclusive type of gathering Haligonians are used to, but COVID-19 threw a wrench in their plans.
But Glow CEO Dave O'Connor is so happy to bring joy to people again with the Fairytale Christmas show.
“It's been a long road to this. When we first began in 2019, this wasn't our event. There was some controversy, and we were unfortunately included in that,” he said.
“But now we only rent the lights from them, and the show we put on is our own. We are so happy we can do this event now.”
Last year, COVID-19 led to the closure of the event, and everything went dark, When they did re-open, it just wasn't the same.
“It was good last year, but we just couldn't get people out. We did, however, get to learn. We saw what was missing,” he said. “This year, we put things together and we were able to add missing pieces.”
With light gardens, a happening spot called Fun Land, live entertainment and tons of photo opportunities, O'Connor and his team made sure there's something for everyone.
“We have the amazing Fun Land room added in. There are amusements and games. We realized kids 8-12 may love lights, but they need other things to keep them engaged,” he said.
“We also realize that all people of ages enjoy this, so we have great entertainment as well. You can also stroll through with a beverage, take pictures and have treats. No matter your age, this fairy tale can be magical.”
Glow had a difficult year pre-COVID in 2019. News hit during the holiday season that a photo shoot done with Cynthia Stilts – popular local drag performer and artist – was being called out for 'inappropriate' content at the event.
Stilts began sharing screenshots of comments directed toward her, and the B.C. Company Glow asked for them to be taken down, which Stilts refused to do.
An apology statement was released, but when the Halifax Glow readied for the 2020 event following their acquisition of the B.C. company, one of the first things they did was reach out. O'Connor has attempted to create a safe, inclusive and diverse space for all.
Among his efforts was bringing Stilts in as a performer, which will see a drag show hosted at A Fairytale Christmas on December 10.
Stilts says things have been difficult in Halifax for drag performers and LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC individuals since the closing of queer spaces in the area during COVID-19.
“We really don't have queer spaces, so we try to reach out to venues and get them to create spaces for shows. It feels really good they wanted to have me here,” she said.
“I have a great relationship with Glow, and it's an all-new ownership. They reached out to correct something they didn't even do. I was brought in for several meetings, and it was their idea to partner on a drag show.”
She said she felt their offer was genuine, and was happy to accept it.
“Things have been crazy, and this was supposed to happen last year before the spike in cases. There was partial work done to prep,” she said. “But things this year have still come up we didn't expect. We have choreography rehearsals, outfits to get, and it's been stressful. But I've really been loving it.”
The show is part of a concert series, and features Stilts, Elle Noir, Penelope Strange, Dolly Pardon, and Manny Dingo will join from Toronto.
“I'm so excited to fly Manny out from Toronto. They left Nova Scotia for Toronto a few years ago, so this will be special. The cast are all dearly close to me and so talented,” she said.
“I knew we needed to bring it for this huge, beautiful stage. This is the biggest one I've performed on besides the Spatz Theatre, and we're so excited.”
While COVID-19 has loomed for two years, Stilts is exciting to give a sense of normalcy to people.
“Some people are still holding back, and that's alright, but I feel it's important to move forward in a safe way. The people at the event must show proof of vaccination, and we as performers get tested regularly,” she said.
“As long as there are proper precautions in place, I just want us to enjoy ourselves, have a great time, and make sure we're safe.”
Stilts sees this event as a way to have queer representation, especially with no queer spaces.
“To have this for the province is so important. The controversy in 2019 proved being queer and doing drag is still something unexposed to some people, given the reactions,” she said.
“We aren't where we thought we are here. A lot of people are, but there is still work to be done. Exposing people to new things creates representation, and helps us move forward.”
O'Connor is excited to have Stilts aboard this year, and it was important to him to have that relationship.
“I feel like she is happy with us, and we're so happy to have her. We can't wait for people to see the show, and we think people will love it,” he said.
“We're just so happy people are already calling and leaving social media comments, and they're telling us this is what they needed. We always want to improve, and we continue to learn and grow. But we can't wait for people to see this.”
Glow's A Fairytale Christmas runs until Jan 2, 2022, at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Stilts's concert is on December 10th, 2021, and there will also be a new Years Eve show. More information and tickets can be found online.
