A parental rights advocacy group was prevented from participating in an Alaskan state fair after a local activist characterized it as a "hate group," referencing a designation by a prominent progressive watchdog organization.
Moms for Liberty, a nationally recognized conservative organization known for its efforts to review public school library content and curricula considered unsuitable for children, had its application rejected for a single-day booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks, Alaska's longest-running state fair.
The Fairbanks chapter, led by Gail McBride, received official notification of the rejection from the fair's board on April 27, denying their request to set up a presence at the event.
The Fair's Decision and Moms for Liberty's Response
"It was pretty interesting," commented Gail McBride, chair of the Moms for Liberty Fairbanks chapter. She added, "The community needs to know it’s another one of these attempts to cancel conservatives by screaming loudly."
Vance, the Executive Director of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association, stated, "The Tanana Valley State Fair Association reserves the right to deny any application at its sole discretion. Applications that, in the judgment of the Association, may reasonably be expected to create disruption, compromise the safety or comfort of attendees, or conflict with the Fair’s mission to provide a welcoming, family-oriented environment will not be accepted."
Vance further elaborated, stating, "Vendors are responsible for their own actions, as well as the actions of their agents, employees, volunteers, and supplier."
The local chapter of the conservative group sought a single-day display table at the annual event to advance its advocacy for parental rights. The fair itself has a long history, recognized for its family-oriented activities, agricultural displays, and showcasing of local artistry.
Activist's Opposition and SPLC Classification
Gail McBride reportedly attended a Tanana Valley State Fair Board of Directors meeting on April 15. Her purpose was to introduce the chapter and address what she characterized as local misunderstandings about the organization. After her presentation, David Leslie, a past fair employee who maintains significant involvement with the event, spoke to the board to voice his opposition to Moms for Liberty's participation.
Leslie asserted that Moms for Liberty constitutes an "anti-government, extremist hate group," citing its classification by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
"They target LGBT people specifically," Leslie claimed, according to local news reports. He added a stark warning: "This is extremely dangerous. People die because of hate. People kill themselves."
The SPLC's 2022 Year in Hate & Extremism report officially labeled Moms for Liberty as an "extremist group." In 2023, an SPLC official was quoted as saying that Moms for Liberty aims "to undermine public education holistically."
During his address, Leslie also critiqued the fair board for a prior decision to cancel a local drag performance. He then implored current board members to prevent any individual affiliated with Moms for Liberty from ever seeking a position on the fair's governing body.
Broader Implications and Fair's Concluding Remarks
Days after the board meeting, the fair's directors formally turned down the chapter's request for a single-day exhibit table. No public, official reason for the denial was initially provided. McBride subsequently sent a letter to the board on June 25, expressing that she was "surprised to have been rejected" and contending that the board's choice "does not represent our community."
In her written reply, McBride additionally challenged the board's apparent reliance on the SPLC's "hate group" classification. She highlighted what she described as the watchdog organization's increasing legal difficulties, noting that the SPLC has been under significant national scrutiny after a federal grand jury indictment accused the organization of several counts of fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Instances where groups face exclusion due to their presence on the SPLC's "hate map" are not uncommon, with one example cited in Williamson County, Texas. This represents a persistent challenge observed nationwide.
Vance reiterated, "The TVSFA reserves the right to deny applications for any reason, and all decisions are final. Ultimately, the final decision to approve vendors lies at the discretion of the TVSFA Executive Director."
He concluded his statement by saying, "I have the unenviable task of sorting through all grievances and reports from our staff, members, and the community. Based on multiple issues that have come to my attention, this is the best decision that aligns with the mission of the fair and fostering a welcoming environment."
