After being uninvited to Blink Cincinnati, a Maryland-based animal rights groupis crashing the lights festival’s Oct. 8 debut by protesting near planned displaysin Downtown and Over-The-Rhine.
The Humane League is one of a couple of animal rights groups that have recently staged protests against supermarket giantKrogerover for backing off a 2016 pledge to sell only cage-free eggs by 2026. On Sept. 28, the group held a protest at The Banks, where a Kroger corporate event was taking place, with protesters chanting and parading around in inflatable chicken costumes.
'Giant glowing chicken characters' taking to the streets
In a media advisory, the group promised to stage “an interactive, mobile demonstration” that would include “illuminated mobile wagons and giant glowing chicken characters” marching on public
sidewalks as festivalgoers navigate multiple displays throughout Downtown and Over-The-Rhine.
In a statement, Blink organizers toldThe Enquirer that the group's participation was nixed because it did not align with the goals of the event.
"A few days ago, we learned that one of the booth participants in the BLINK opening event was an out-of-state political organization leading an activist campaign," the statement said. "After further review, we determined that its participation would not align with the goals and operational principles we set for the event. As a result, we have rescinded the organization’s invitation to participate."
The statement said Blink's organizers remain focused on creating an "inclusive celebration for the entire community."
Kroger is a Blink sponsor and major retailer
Kroger is one of roughly 70 corporate sponsors that provides funding and other support for Blink. The Enquirer is also a sponsor.
Kroger is one of several major grocers that promised to switch to selling only cage-free eggs a decade ago. Several retailers have backtracked after the switch proved expensive for suppliers and inflation took off early in this decade.
A Fortune 500 company based in downtown Cincinnati, Kroger operates nearly 2,700 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia, including 77 in Greater Cincinnati. The company employs 403,000 workers, including nearly 20,000 in the Greater Cincinnati region.
The retailer operates stores under the Kroger banner name as well as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Dillons, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Fry’s, QFC and others.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Giant glowing chicken' protesters to crash Blink Cincinnati debut
