Rockford-area bowling alley under fire for 'Insurrection Fest' Facebook post

Editor's note: The show scheduled for Saturday at Splitters inside Park Lanes has been canceled, according to the bowling alley's Facebook page.

A Rockford-area bowling alley manager has apologized for the name of on upcoming live music event saying he's already changed it. But not before upsetting dozens of people on social media.

On Monday, Jan. 1, Park Lanes Bowling Center posted to its Facebook page saying it was hosting "Insurrection Fest 24" Jan. 6 at Splitters, the bar inside the Loves Park bowling alley.

Rockford area Facebook users were quick to share their thoughts.

"No matter what political party you are affiliated with, the attack on the capitol on Jan. 6 resulted in injury and death," Rockford resident Megan Brechon told the Register Star after seeing the post. "It is inappropriate at best to make light of it by hosting an 'Insurrection Fest' on the anniversary."

The United States Capitol Building in Washington D.C. was attacked Jan. 6, 2021, by supporters of then-U.S. president Donald Trump who wanted to prevent the official counting of Electoral College votes that would solidify Trump's election defeat.

According to Park Lanes General Manager Kurt Stellern, the idea to call the show "Insurrection Fest" came from the promoters.

Stellern told the Register Star Wednesday that the show's name has been changed to "Tribute Night '24,"

The promoters, according to live music listing sites, are associated with Land of Linkin, a Linkin Park tribute act that's part of the three-band bill. Superknot, an Ozzy Osbourne-era Black Sabbath tribute band, and Kill'N Karma, a group that plays '90s and 2000s rock covers, are also set to perform at Park Lanes this Saturday.

"I don't know if they thought it was kind of funny to name it that because they're hard-rock bands and have it on Jan. 6," Stellern said. "But I told them, 'Don't be dumb and put something like that out there.'"

Stellern said the promoters agreed to drop the name two weeks ago and have since come out with a new promotional poster. He said he forgot to remove the old listing from Facebook until Wednesday.

"I got busy during that period and really didn't think through to catch it," he said. "I know it did offend people. I should have pulled it sooner. I apologize for the mishap."

Retired Rockford government and economics teacher Dave McCoy also saw the original post and said "funny" is far from a word he'd use to describe what transpired on Jan. 6, 2021.

"It's grotesque," McCoy said. "Jan. 6 was a violent overthrow of the Capitol. We all saw it with our own eyes. It was an armed rebellion. Luckily, Congress members were whisked away to safety."

Saturday, Jan. 6, marks the third anniversary of the United States Capitol attack. What began as a peaceful demonstration escalated into a riot when more than 2,000 people stormed the building as Congress began formalizing the victory of then-President-elect Joe Biden.

Nine people died and more than 170 police officers were assaulted, delaying the electoral-vote count by several hours. More than 1,000 people, including Trump, were charged with crimes.

"There was no intent to disrespect anything that happened (in Washington) on Jan. 6 by anybody," Stellern said.

Park Lanes is at 5318 N. Second St.

Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Parks Lane bowling alley under fire for 'Insurrection Fest' poster