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Draper Today
By the People, for the People
Living Planet Aquarium Faces Backlash Over GOP Fundraiser
Protesters gathered outside the event venue as the Salt Lake County Republican Party held its biggest fundraiser inside.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:10am
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The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah faced backlash after hosting a Republican Party fundraiser on its premises. While the event took place inside, a handful of protesters gathered outside to voice their opposition to the event and its guest speaker, right-wing influencer Nick Shirley. The aquarium stated that it rents out event spaces to outside organizations but does not endorse the views of guest speakers.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the challenges businesses can face when hosting events that may be viewed as politically divisive, especially in a highly polarized political climate. The aquarium's decision to rent its space to the Republican Party fundraiser has drawn criticism from those who disagree with the event's political leanings.
The details
The Salt Lake County Republican Party held its biggest annual fundraiser at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium on Saturday night. While the event took place inside, a small group of protesters gathered outside to voice their opposition, particularly to the event's guest speaker, right-wing influencer Nick Shirley. The aquarium stated that it rents event spaces to outside organizations but does not endorse the views of guest speakers.
- The Republican Party fundraiser took place on Saturday night, March 22, 2026.
The players
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
A community gathering space that rents out event spaces to outside organizations.
Salt Lake County Republican Party
The organizer of the fundraiser event held at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
Nick Shirley
A right-wing influencer who was the guest speaker at the Republican Party fundraiser.
Tammy Ames
A protester who voiced opposition to the event and the aquarium's decision to host it.
Michael Carey
The chair of the Salt Lake County Republican Party.
What they’re saying
“We want everybody to know what they're up against, what we're all up against. The aquarium has to know who they are representing; they have to know that this is a bad kid and it's not right.”
— Tammy Ames, Protester
“I think it's great — they're allowed to protest. Even though I don't agree with them, I think it's fantastic; they're allowed to speak their mind.”
— Michael Carey, Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair
What’s next
The aquarium has stated that it will continue to rent out event spaces to outside organizations, but it remains to be seen if the backlash over this particular event will lead to any changes in its policies or practices.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the challenges businesses can face when hosting events that may be viewed as politically divisive, especially in a highly polarized political climate. The aquarium's decision to rent its space to the Republican Party fundraiser has drawn criticism from those who disagree with the event's political leanings, highlighting the need for businesses to carefully consider the potential consequences of such decisions.
