‘No Kings’ protest set for Saturday in Glenwood Springs

Residents from Parachute to Aspen are set to gather in Glenwood Springs on Saturday for a local “No Kings” protest organized by Mountain Action Indivisible. The local call to action is just one of over 3,100 protests planned as part of a broader national and international day of action.

The event, billed locally as “No Kings, No Cruelty,” is scheduled to begin with a 1 p.m. march along Grand Avenue, followed by a 2 p.m. gathering at Sayre Park. Organizers said participants can join the march at any point along the route, and those who do not want to march are welcome to remain in the park.

Mountain Action Indivisible describes itself as a volunteer-led, Western Slope organization focused on peaceful civic action. Co-Founder Lori Brandon said organizers expect a strong turnout at Saturday’s event, even with spring break plans likely to keep some out of town.

“It’s impossible to predict turnout,” Brandon said. “We do expect thousands. I don’t know how many thousands, but we expect thousands.”

Mountain Action Indivisible said the Glenwood Springs demonstration is part of the third No Kings day of nonviolent action. According to the No Kings organization, more than 3,100 protests are planned in the United States and internationally on Saturday, including events in Ecuador, Madrid, Germany, Ireland and more. The organization says the collective protest is set to be the largest in U.S. history. The Glenwood Springs protest is expected to draw participants from communities throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.

Brandon said the local event is intended to be peaceful, welcoming and energizing for those who want to speak out.

“It’s going to be an uplifting experience, and it’s all about making it peaceful and having our First Amendment rights and having the opportunity to express ourselves,” she said.

Around 2:15 p.m. featured speakers, live music and other community activities will begin in Sayre Park. Scheduled speakers include Alex Sanchez of Voces Unidas and environmental journalist Zoe Rom. Local groups, including the Raging Grannies and Singing Resistance, are expected to lead sing-alongs.

Other activities are set to include a free screen-printing pop-up, children’s activities and informational booths aimed at helping attendees stay involved after the rally.