A crowd of around 200 people gathered at the corner of Main and Washington streets last Friday afternoon for a rally in support of democracy and other cherished American ideals. Dubbed “Valentines for Democracy,” the event invited community members to express their commitment to democratic values through signs, songs, and shared goodwill.
Organized by a small group of local citizens, the gathering quickly grew in size, with about 150 attendees filling the sidewalk just 15 minutes into the event. Participants carried handmade valentines emblazoned with messages such as “I Love Democracy” and “I Love Free Speech,” and signs affirming their support for national parks and forests, public education, freedom of the press, care for the needy, immigrants, global aid, clean air and water, checks and balances, truth, integrity, diversity, equality, human dignity, and Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the organizers said they were “surprised and delighted” by the turnout, which included both adults and children. The rally was not framed as a protest but as a peaceful affirmation of shared values.
In a moment of spontaneous community spirit, one attendee strummed an acoustic guitar, leading the group in renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and the civil rights anthem “This Little Light of Mine.”
Caroline Coons, a local friend of the organizers who held up a sign at the end of the line, told The News-Gazette that the rally emerged from small conversations that snowballed into a larger movement. “It started as a simple idea — just neighbors wanting to affirm what matters to them,” she said.
Organizers emphasized that these gatherings are meant to encourage citizens who care about the health of democracy to “step up and get active in whatever way best works for them.” While not replacing traditional protests, the rallies are seen as a space to affirm values that many feel are under threat.
Due to the enthusiasm from participants, organizers have committed to holding similar gatherings at the same location every Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for the next 10 weeks, rain or shine.
