STERLING, N.Y. (WROC) — The Sterling Renaissance Festival is coming up this weekend, but one favorite vendor won't be in attendance. He says it's because he brought his service dog to the festival grounds.
Matthew Gordon has been known for years as the Sterling Renaissance Festival's "Pickle Man," roaming the fair selling pickles to visitors. But this year will be different after he says he was fired for sticking up for his right to have his service dog with him.
Every year leading up to the festival, Gordon says he walks with his service dog on the fairgrounds to prepare for the big event. Up until this year, he says it hasn't been an issue. However, yesterday, he says the festival owner, Doug Waterbury stopped him, saying he implemented a new rule this year prohibiting dogs from the grounds.
"And I go, 'well she's a service dog, though. She can go where I can go.' And he said, 'I don't care, there are no dogs allowed on property.' To which I said, 'that's actually illegal what you just said. You can't deny me access because I have my service dog. She can go where I can go.'"
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses and nonprofits that are open to the public must allow service animals, even if they have a "no pets" policy. Gordon is a disabled veteran, and he uses his service dog, Faith, for his combat-related PTSD. He says large groups of people, along with unexpected noises, have the potential to trigger his anxiety, and Faith is trained to pick up on those cues to ground him before spiraling.
Although Gordon has been fired from his role as "Pickle Man," he's hoping his standing up for his rights serves a bigger purpose for others and brings exposure to the fact that people relying on service dogs are constantly having to fight this battle.
"So, if somebody needs a service dog or is thinking about it, but they're worried… if my standing up for the rights and people having them inspires somebody to follow through with getting therapy and help to improve their daily life, then that would be great."
Doug Waterbury is the owner of the Sterling Renaissance Festival. He released a statement in response to the allegations. He said that Gordon was fired due to various factors including showing up without permission, not picking up after his dog, and being aggressive:
"In lieu of recent events, I would like to address the misunderstanding of what occurred earlier this week.
"The pickle guy" who has been a vendor at the Sterling Renaissance Festival has always done great work. He is well liked by the festival patrons and sells a lot of pickles during his time at the festival. I would not typically decide to fire a vendor who is popular at the show and brings in good income.
There was an altercation by the individual that lead to a series of unfortunate events to occur. This began over him being on festival grounds when he was not working and without permission while opening preparations were going on. When we spoke to him about it he became confrontational and aggressive. He was then refusing to "pick up after his dog" and refusing to leave the grounds. It unfortunately quickly lead to an extreme reaction from him that he took to the festival office and frightened the office staff of women with an uncontrolled rage.
Ultimately these actions are why he was let go as well as his insubordination, loud and aggressive behavior to other staff members. It is my responsibility to maintain a safe environment for our staff, vendors, entertainers, and patrons at all times.
We do not discriminate at the Sterling Renaissance Festival and I am saddened that he invoked his being a disabled veteran as some kind of perceived slight. I expect reasonable behavior from all employees and vendors without exception while employed at the festival. And, I would also like to add that the festival certainly has no issue with service animals and never has. One more point, Matt has never brought his dog to work with him on any operating day in all the years he's participated?
I am truly sorry this happened and am upset to lose him on our team of vendors."
The Sterling Renaissance Festival kicks off this Saturday and remains open each weekend through August 13th.
Gordon says he filed both an EEOC and ADA complaint last night.
www.rochesterfirst.com
Matthew Gordon has been known for years as the Sterling Renaissance Festival's "Pickle Man," roaming the fair selling pickles to visitors. But this year will be different after he says he was fired for sticking up for his right to have his service dog with him.
Every year leading up to the festival, Gordon says he walks with his service dog on the fairgrounds to prepare for the big event. Up until this year, he says it hasn't been an issue. However, yesterday, he says the festival owner, Doug Waterbury stopped him, saying he implemented a new rule this year prohibiting dogs from the grounds.
"And I go, 'well she's a service dog, though. She can go where I can go.' And he said, 'I don't care, there are no dogs allowed on property.' To which I said, 'that's actually illegal what you just said. You can't deny me access because I have my service dog. She can go where I can go.'"
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses and nonprofits that are open to the public must allow service animals, even if they have a "no pets" policy. Gordon is a disabled veteran, and he uses his service dog, Faith, for his combat-related PTSD. He says large groups of people, along with unexpected noises, have the potential to trigger his anxiety, and Faith is trained to pick up on those cues to ground him before spiraling.
Although Gordon has been fired from his role as "Pickle Man," he's hoping his standing up for his rights serves a bigger purpose for others and brings exposure to the fact that people relying on service dogs are constantly having to fight this battle.
"So, if somebody needs a service dog or is thinking about it, but they're worried… if my standing up for the rights and people having them inspires somebody to follow through with getting therapy and help to improve their daily life, then that would be great."
Doug Waterbury is the owner of the Sterling Renaissance Festival. He released a statement in response to the allegations. He said that Gordon was fired due to various factors including showing up without permission, not picking up after his dog, and being aggressive:
"In lieu of recent events, I would like to address the misunderstanding of what occurred earlier this week.
"The pickle guy" who has been a vendor at the Sterling Renaissance Festival has always done great work. He is well liked by the festival patrons and sells a lot of pickles during his time at the festival. I would not typically decide to fire a vendor who is popular at the show and brings in good income.
There was an altercation by the individual that lead to a series of unfortunate events to occur. This began over him being on festival grounds when he was not working and without permission while opening preparations were going on. When we spoke to him about it he became confrontational and aggressive. He was then refusing to "pick up after his dog" and refusing to leave the grounds. It unfortunately quickly lead to an extreme reaction from him that he took to the festival office and frightened the office staff of women with an uncontrolled rage.
Ultimately these actions are why he was let go as well as his insubordination, loud and aggressive behavior to other staff members. It is my responsibility to maintain a safe environment for our staff, vendors, entertainers, and patrons at all times.
We do not discriminate at the Sterling Renaissance Festival and I am saddened that he invoked his being a disabled veteran as some kind of perceived slight. I expect reasonable behavior from all employees and vendors without exception while employed at the festival. And, I would also like to add that the festival certainly has no issue with service animals and never has. One more point, Matt has never brought his dog to work with him on any operating day in all the years he's participated?
I am truly sorry this happened and am upset to lose him on our team of vendors."
The Sterling Renaissance Festival kicks off this Saturday and remains open each weekend through August 13th.
Gordon says he filed both an EEOC and ADA complaint last night.
Ren. Fest owner responds after 'Pickle Man' was fired
The Sterling Renaissance Festival is coming up this weekend, but one favorite vendor won’t be in attendance. He says it’s due to him bringing his service dog to the fairgrounds. Matthew…
www.rochesterfirst.com
