Hundreds of couples are arriving on Grand Island for a swingers convention at the Holiday Inn on Whitehaven Road. But organizers have toned the event down after parents and nearby church pastors complained.


The Swinger's Conference, called "Entice the Falls" began Wednesday with a welcoming cruise. Beginning Thursday morning, the entire hotel will be closed off to the public.


The Zoning Code of the Town of Grand Island says businesses with "adult uses shall be permitted in the M-2 District on approval of a special use permit..." and that "no adult use shall be permitted within seven hundred fifty (750) feet" of areas including residential areas, schools, nurseries and religious institutions.


The Grand Island Holiday Inn is not in an M-2 District. However, the Grand Island Town Attorney said due to first amendment issues, the event can not be stopped or cancelled by the town.


Hotel Management discussed the code issues with the Town of Grand Island and assured local leaders that no laws will be broken. The hotel's general manager assured 2 On Your Side that nothing illegal will take place. He believes this was a smart business move, as the hotel is nearly booked solid during an otherwise off-peak time of the year.



Pastor Steve Lamarco, an outspoken critic of the event, would have liked to see the event cancelled.


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