Hundreds Rally in Estes Park for ‘No Kings’ Protest Against Authoritarianism

A significant protest took place in Estes Park, Colorado, on March 16, 2024, as hundreds gathered for the “No Kings” event, part of a nationwide movement advocating for democratic values. The rally attracted a diverse crowd of residents and visitors, including retirees, young families, and participants dressed in colorful costumes. Protesters voiced their opposition to authoritarianism and called for a renewed commitment to democratic principles.

The atmosphere was vibrant yet peaceful, with demonstrators waving signs proclaiming messages like “No Kings, Protect Democracy” and “Refuse Unlawful Orders.” As cars honked in support, one attendee, dressed in an orange inflatable hood, remarked, “If I’m going to protest in Estes Park, I might as well do it as Kenny. We’ve got to work together — there are no kings in America, or at least there shouldn’t be.”

Among the group were Chris and Eleanor Stewart, who traveled from Denver with their four daughters. Chris expressed concern over the rollback of women’s rights, stating, “It’s sad to see women’s rights being rolled back as our daughters come of age. They have fewer rights now than we did when we were their age.” Eleanor added, “We’re here to support democracy. We want our kids to see that it’s worth showing up for.” This marked the Stewarts’ first protest as a family, driven by their desire to engage with current events that have unfolded over the past nine months.

A younger demographic, including climbers and freelance outdoor journalists, also participated. A writer focusing on climbing and conservation noted, “I mostly cover climbing and conservation, but this matters too. Journalism matters.” Another local highlighted the impact of the government shutdown, saying, “A lot of my friends are federal employees. They’re not getting paid during the shutdown, but they’re still showing up for work. The least I could do was show up for them.”

Estes Park Police maintained a light presence throughout the event, and participants praised the town’s welcoming spirit. “It’s different here,” said a protester in an eagle costume. “Peaceful. And with all the tourists coming through, it’s a great place to get maximum exposure for the movement.”

The protest also drew connections to Colorado’s historical past, with one attendee holding a sign honoring Captain Silas Soule and Lieutenant Joseph Cramer. He explained, “They followed conscience over command. That’s what this moment feels like — a test of conscience. When power starts demanding immoral things, it comes down to the individual to refuse.”

As the afternoon progressed, snow flurries swept through the area, causing the crowd size to dwindle. While the protest may not have matched the scale of larger rallies in cities like Denver or Fort Collins, it represented a remarkable demonstration of civic engagement for a small town nestled against the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The event underscores the growing momentum of the “No Kings” movement, which seeks to unite citizens across the nation in defense of democratic principles. As the final participants departed, the message remained clear: the commitment to democracy is a cause worth standing for, even in the face of challenging circumstances.