We’re looking forward to the second No Kings day of defiance on Saturday, October 18. This is a day when we expect millions of Americans to come together at thousands of events nationwide to unite and show the world that “America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.”
Here is what you can expect for our local event:
Ground rules:
- We welcome everyone who peacefully opposes the actions of this administration.
- A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. The ACLU is hosting a “Protest Safety, Know Your Rights, and De-Escalation” virtual training on Wednesday, October 15, at 7 pm, which will be helpful preparation.
- Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure a peaceful and powerful event.
- Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to the event.
- You can find information and resources for Indivisible’s strategy here.
Schedule of events:
- At 2 pm, we will meet at the Sonya Margerum Fountain on the West Lafayette side of theJohn T Myers Pedestrian Bridge (425 E State Street, West Lafayette). People are encouraged to bring signs, including extras to loan to other attendees (see below if you need to find time to make one). We expect a large crowd. Please be considerate as everyone wants to be close to the action and hear the instructions.
- We will march together across the bridge to the Tippecanoe County Courthouse and then back across the bridge to Tapawingo Park (100 Tapawingo Drive, West Lafayette). The streets near the courthouse, including Columbia Street, will be closed for the march. We still advise all marchers to be aware of their surroundings.
- After the march, we will be at Tapawingo Park until 5 pm for the “Power to the People” Community Fair. There, we’ll enjoy music, speakers, community organizations, and food trucks. If marching isn’t for you, you’re welcome to join us at Tapawingo Park.
Parking:
- There is limited parking at Tapawingo Park. Please allow those with limited mobility to utilize those spaces. Please also be respectful of the businesses near the park by not parking in their lots.
- The Wabash Landing Parking Garage (151 Tapawingo Dr N) across the street from the fountain offers 600 spaces. Enter near the Hilton Garden Inn. Parking here is only free for the first 60 minutes.
- There are parking garages in Lafayette if you’re willing to walk a few extra blocks:
- The Tippecanoe County Parking Garage (201 Columbia St. Lafayette) is free on the weekends. Enter from Columbia Street near the intersection with North 2nd Street, and be sure to do so before Columbia Street is closed.
- The City of Lafayette Parking Garage (18 N 5th St, Lafayette) is free on the weekends. Enter from North 5th Street near the intersection with South Street.
- The Tippecanoe County Parking Garage (201 Columbia St. Lafayette) is free on the weekends. Enter from Columbia Street near the intersection with North 2nd Street, and be sure to do so before Columbia Street is closed.
Attendees are welcome to sign up in advance on Mobilize, but it is not required.
We’re excited to join with other groups organizing the No Kings peaceful protests across the country including ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, SEIU, among others. A full list of partners can be seen at www.nokings.org/partners.
Sign making:
In preparation for the No Kings protest, we’re hosting 2 sign making parties:
- Sunday, October 12, from 1:30-4 pm, and
- Thursday, October 16, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Both events will be held in the Creativity Lab at the West Lafayette Public Library (208 W Columbia Street, West Lafayette, first floor). We’ll provide basic supplies, but feel free to bring your own, as well. Let us know you’re coming by signing up on Mobilize. Don’t worry if you can’t stay for the entire time. You can come for all or part of the event.
In addition to street parking, parking is also available in the garage across the street at 117 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette. If the cost of parking is prohibitive, the Library staff can validate your ticket at the front desk.