Hosted by Indivisible Lehigh Valley Bethlehem, in partnership with the Lehigh and Northampton Counties Democratic Committees, Bethlehem City Democratic Committee, For Our Future PA, and the Lehigh Valley Young Democrats, No Kings Palooza Protest and Festival was held March 28 as part of a national initiative in opposition to the Trump administration’s authoritarian attacks on the rule of law and human and civil rights.

The gathering at Bethlehem’s Rose Garden attracted thousands of people who displayed signs inside the park and along the Broad Street, Eighth Avenue and Union Boulevard sides of the park, which evoked honking horns of support by passers-by.

Several generations of citizens attended to show their displeasure with the political and economic climate created by the current presidency.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk was the featured speaker. “Mayor’s depend on federal government to do things and that’s why I’m here today,” said Tuerk. “We also need to make that this crowd keeps showing up,” Tuerk added.

Live music was provided by several performers and Revolutionary Era re-enactors circulated throughout the crowd. One read the Declaration of Independence which reinforced the No Kings theme. Entertainment was provided for children who attended.

In order to protect public safety and ensure a peaceful event organizers met with the Bethlehem Police Department and determined that unlike last summer’s No Kings event, there would not be a march by the thousands in attendance on city streets.

Confined to the Rose Garden, the consolidation of activities appeared to provide a high level of camaraderie and galvanize support among protestors concerned about war, justice, immigration, the rising cost of living, the Epstein files, and the current sense of chaos emanating from a White House headed by a president with sinking approval ratings.