Organizers of Blink, Cincinnati’s massive downtown light festival, abruptly canceled an approved exhibit booth for an animal-welfare group tied to recent protests against Kroger, The Enquirer reported Oct. 2. The Humane League says its volunteers filed all the proper paperwork and were listed on Blink’s website for the “Ready. Set. Blink” kickoff party on Oct. 8 — until the invitation was rescinded without explanation.
The Humane League is one of two groups that have recently protested the Cincinnati-based grocery giant over its commitment to cage-free eggs. The group says the planned booth was family-friendly and meant to educate festivalgoers about battery cages used in egg production, not to target Kroger directly. “Everything was running smoothly, and we were listed on Blink’s website,” said Olive Wilkes, a senior field organizer. “It’s very disappointing to feel like we’re being censored.”
In a statement, Blink organizers said they learned the booth was tied to “an out-of-state political organization leading an activist campaign” and determined its participation would not align with the event’s goals and operational principles. The statement emphasized that Blink remains focused on creating “an inclusive celebration for the entire community.”
Kroger is one of roughly 70 corporate sponsors that provide funding and support for Blink, though organizers did not say the grocer’s sponsorship factored into the decision. The Humane League says it has reached out to Blink organizers but had received no response as of noon Oct. 2.
