No Kings protest draws crowds throughout North Central Washington

CHELAN COUNTY –  Hundreds of protestors gathered throughout North Central Washington for the “No Kings” Protest on June 14, to protest the actions of the Trump Administration and “to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”

Large crowds congregated along Highway 2 in Leavenworth, downtown Cashmere, Memorial Park in Wenatchee, and Peace Park in Chelan, joining a nationwide movement. The protests aligned with the military parade in Washington for the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also coincides with the president’s 79th birthday.

“We just didn't want that parade to be the center of gravity. And everywhere else, not just America…People are coming together across the world to reject strong man politics and corruption,” said Judy Derpack, an NCW United member and co-organizer of the Leavenworth protest.

NCW United, a civic engagement group founded in 2016, has arranged a number of protests in Leavenworth this year, including the “Hands-Off” protest in April and the “May Day Strong” protest the month following. For the “No King” protest – which drew over 400 people – Derpack said the group had dialed in its outreach, registration, and preparation.

“Our team has been very well trained in not activating anything, not responding, staying slow and low and being peaceful,” said Derpack.

Among the crowds were full-time and part-time residents, seasonal workers, and visitors, wearing crowns with the word “no” and holding various signs advocating for democracy, immigrant rights, and social support services, to name a few.  

“I love looking at the age range: the small kids, the older people. It's really sending the message that this is not okay. If we sit in our houses and complain to one another, they can continue to push this,” said Barb McIntyre.

For the last 26 years, McIntyre and a handful of her friends have met in Leavenworth for an annual women’s weekend. However, the group agreed to interrupt their typical schedule of hiking, biking and camaraderie to engage in the protest.

“I was kind of like, ‘Oh, that weekend, I don't know, I wanted to do the protest’…And somebody put out, you know, ‘There's, there's a protest over there’…Are you all up for civil disobedience?’ and everybody's like, ‘Yes, I'm going!’” said McIntyre.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media

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