For the first time this Pride season, Hunters Chicago Nightclub attempted to become a vendor at both the June Chicago Pride Fest and the upcoming Northalsted Market Days this August. They were turned down by the Northalsted Business Alliance committee and Special Events Managementwhich runs both eventsfrom participating as a vendor for both events.
Mark Hunter, owner of Hunters Chicago, said that the alliance decided to exclude the nightspot from both events due to space limitations and the fact that the nightclub is not located on Halsted Street. Hunter noted that although his club is located in Elk Grove Village, Ill. it has, in the past 30 years, participated in approximately 20 Pride parades since 1982 as well as donated time and money to support agencies like Chicago House, the Center on Halsted and Howard Brown Health Center. (The last two are located on or near Halsted Street.)
"Hunters Chicago has been a vital part of the Chicago LGBT community for 30 years," said Hunter. "Steeped in history and being one of the first openly gay bars in the suburbs, Hunters Chicago has been a beacon of gay pride for thousands of people. Our longevity is a testament to its dedication and commitment to its community."
Jay Lyon, executive director of Northalsted Business Alliance, said, "Northalsted's events have grown tremendously in popularity over the years. For every event, we have a tremendous number of applicants, often hundreds more than we could accommodate. We take the selection of non-profits and vendors very seriously.
"Our events have a specific geographic footprint, and they cannot be expanded despite the great demand. As these are chamber events, our local businesses are given priority. Our business members spend a tremendous amount of energy and effort to make Northalsted and its events successful, efforts that happen year-round and which the general public never gets to see."
Lyon indicated that the alliance has never had a category for an applicant such as Hunters Chicago. However, he claimed the alliance offered the nightclub an opportunity to apply for a sponsorship rolewith Hunters opting out of that role.
Hunter said the club was emailed about this decision. He noted that the application process for the events never mentioned any protocols for exclusion, which Hunter said was explained to him after being told that the club would not be considered as a vendor for the events.
Hank Zemola of Special Events Management said, "Hunters has never submitted an application or payment for consideration for Market Days as a vendor. Prior to Pride Fest, I talked to Hunter personally and explained that he doesn't fit our vendor criteria.
"I suggested that the only consideration would be to participate as a sponsor, but that would still be reviewed and considered by the festival committee. He hasn't reached out to further inquire about sponsorship and I have given him my direct number to contact me in the future."
Although Hunter said he is disappointed with the alliance's decision, the nightclub instead held its own suburban pride event June 24, which Hunter said was a success. Also, on Aug. 11-12when Northalsted Market Days will take placeHunter said that his nightclub will be donating 20 percent of all its receipt totals to a local Chicago charity.