About 4,000 showed for Corvallis’ version of America’s third No Kings Day. Held downtown this last Saturday, the vibe was fun and festive with what could be called a just about rightsized side of pointedness.
Yes, protestors carried signs with a wide range of messages like “No Kings in America” and “I’ve seen better cabinets at IKEA ,” and “Be kind.”
But in the main, it was all very Corvallis. There were inflatable frogs, dinosaurs and unicorns mingled with the crowd, along with a Statue of Liberty.
Next to the Benton County Courthouse a large crowd moved to the beat of the music at the Dance for Democracy. And yes, protestors did line the sidewalks up and down Fourth Street, waving signs, chanting and exhorting drivers to honk.
Meanwhile, in Central Park, people of all ages created a collaborative work of chalk art and made their own unique No Kings flags – also, face painting was available for those that wished to partake.
At 12:30 pm, after a sing along performance by the newly formed Corvallis Resistance Singers, the crowd lined up at the west end of McNary Field for a sidewalk parade.
A marching band and an array of No Kings banners led the way down Madison Avenue toward Central Park. There were banners that said thing like “Silence is Consent,” and another that said, “Rise Up!” and “Speak out!” A giant Trump puppet in handcuffs and jailware followed behind the band.
“We’re all here for the same reason. People are fed up with the actions of this current regime,” stated event organizer Laureen Urey. “Since the inauguration, they have recklessly imposed tariffs, started a dangerous and costly war in the Middle East, and instituted an inhumane immigration policy, among other things. They are lining their pockets from corrupt business deals while the average American is struggling to deal with the rising cost of food, housing and health care.”
Urey also said the participation estimate of 4,000 is preliminary, and that there may be a more accurate number in a few days after they examine drone photos from the event.
“It’s important now more than ever to continue resisting and to continue fighting for human rights. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the intensity and craziness of everything that happens day after day, week after week,” said local resident Konnie May. “At the core of it, our democracy is being abused and dismantled, and this is a huge wake up call for us.”
Lisa Chick, one of the lead banner-holders in the sidewalk parade said, “I’m here because I feel the rule of law is important to us all, and its been totally trampled. Someone has to stand up. We can’t just sit on our couches while this happens.”
Dressed as the Statue of Liberty, Barr Scott said, “My friends are here. I need the support— I’m really anxious. We’re all anxious …this gives us comfort.”
“People are everywhere. It’s unbelievable!” said John Swanson who held a banner at 5th and Madison to direct parade traffic. “Massive numbers of people are lining the streets.”
According to the organizers, No Kings joined with other groups to organize this day of nonviolent protests across the country, including ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, and SEI.
The Corvallis event was organized by Indivisible Benton County https:// indivisiblebc.org/. Over 3300 No Kings events took place today across the country (www.nokings.org).
By Hallie Greenberg. Reader Jeanne Holmes contributed to this story.
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