Logan residents join national No Kings protest
Dressed in bright clothes and inflatable animal costumes or holding handmade signs, a large group of protesters gathered outside the Cache County Historic Courthouse on Oct. 18 for the “No Kings” protest, where participants of all ages met to express their views on local and national leadership.
The protest was part of the national No Kings movement highlighting concerns about concentrated political power and polarization in U.S. politics, specifically during the second administration of President Donald Trump. Local organizers said rallies have been held in cities across the country to promote democracy, accountability and peaceful civic engagement.
At the Logan rally, participants were encouraged to wear bright colors and costumes to symbolize unity and inclusion. The event featured live musical performances and a food drive, with donations collected for the Cache Community Food Pantry. Several families and students joined longtime Logan residents, reflecting the event’s emphasis on inclusivity and community participation.
Dee Zao, a local resident who attended the rally, explained the demonstration represented a mix of causes and communities.
“It’s a bunch of different causes that have come together, protesting for immigrants’ rights, protesting for LGBTQ rights,” Zao said. “It’s all under the banner of showing Trump we don’t support him because he seems to be the focal point for all these different hateful ideas coming together.”
Zao reflected the views of several demonstrators who criticized national leadership, though others focused on broader themes of unity and civic participation.
Attendees said maintaining a peaceful atmosphere was central to the rally, allowing participants to voice their concerns without escalating tensions.
Jewelysa Armstrong is a Logan resident and local vendor who had previously attended the Salt Lake City “Hands Off” protest, a nationwide display against the Trump administration. She said she came to support the rally in her hometown.
“We actually went down to Salt Lake because we didn’t think there would really be a gathering here,” Armstrong said. “When we saw there was, we wanted to add our voices in our own hometown and show that there are more of us here than people might think.”
Other participants said they were surprised and excited by the turnout, noting the diversity of people represented at the rally.
“I think it’s important for people to see that even in smaller towns, there are communities standing up for what they believe in,” Zao said. “I hope people realize that there are large communities that care for them and support them, and hopefully, it can change some people’s minds.”
After gathering at the courthouse, protesters marched down Main Street holding signs and chanting as passing drivers honked in support. Many said they wanted to show that smaller communities can also have a voice in national discussions.
One protester, who asked to remain anonymous, said attending the event felt like an important act of civic participation.
“Even though this is a red county, it’s still important that we express our First Amendment rights,” the protester said. “It would be more dangerous if we all stayed home and did nothing.”
Throughout the afternoon, speakers and musicians performed on the front steps of the courthouse, encouraging attendees to stay involved in their communities by voting, volunteering and continuing conversations, saying change starts with small actions close to home.
Armstrong said the protest also carried a personal and broader meaning for participants.
“You know, a lot of people say protests aren’t going to do anything,” Armstrong said. “I think it shows a big message to even just the rest of the world that there are people who aren’t okay with what’s going on.”
The protest concluded without incident, with participants emphasizing their goal was to share their voices and encourage civic participation. Attendees shared they hoped the rally would inspire ongoing conversations about leadership and representation within the community.