Fountain Park was the site of a large No Kings protest Saturday morning, March 28, as local political groups, churches, clubs and individuals showed up to take part in a demonstration being organized in communities across the country.
Locally, hundreds of protesters lined Saguaro Boulevard along Fountain Park, waving flags and holding signs speaking out against everything from the Trump administration in general, to ICE involvement around the country and the war in Iran.
The Fountains, A united Methodist Church, played a big part in the March 28 protest, with members meeting at the church and walking the 1.5 miles to Fountain Park to join the demonstration. Many members carried palm branches, and at the front of the march was the Bad Cactus Brass Band.
“Before Palm Sunday was a church holiday, it was a street demonstration – with Jesus riding into Jerusalem to challenge the empire on his day,” said Rev. David Felton in an announcement inviting participants to join the event. “This year, our local ‘No Kings’ protest happens to fall on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, so join The Fountains as we lean into that legacy with a joyful procession.”
Ann Schweers attended the protest, saying it was an important act that would impact future generations.
“There’s too much horrible stuff going on now,” Schweers said, adding she feels the country has evolved to resemble a fascist state. “Trump is making decisions without asking anybody and, honestly, I don’t think he’s all right at this point. One of the things we can do right now is let our voices be heard.”
Schweers said it’s a very frustrating time, but she’s happy to see so many people in Fountain Hills take part in local protests.
“It’s very important,” she said. “This is a conservative town … but this shows our country is for everybody. Not just white, Christian conservatives … Everybody.”
Annie Cennamo agreed.
“Events like this mean a lot,” she said. “…Some believe he is a king. Those of us who don’t feel that way, we have to show that we’re out here too.”
Jesse James said, while he’s a Vietnam veteran, he also demonstrated against that war back in the 60s.
“I never thought there would be a need again to come out and express my feelings in that way,” James said. “But these days and times, here we are in another war. You have to come out and have your say.
“I think this shows there are plenty of good people in the world, who aren’t too greedy and willing to ignore warlike conditions. There are people who just want to let others live and have their peace.”
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