SANDPOINT — Some at Saturday's “No Kings” protest wore costumes; others carried signs; and still others sang protest songs outside Sandpoint Community Hall.

They wanted their voices heard and to share concerns over the direction in which the country is going and how Americans are being treated, organizer Eldon Renner said.

“It’s about the community coming together to feel like they have a say and have the ability to group together so they can share their triumphs and their pain over what’s going on in our government,” Renner said.

In total, organizers said more than 1,000 people lined First Avenue from the entrance to Sandpoint to Pine Street for the third “No Kings” protest held in the community in the past year. The Sandpoint event was one of about 20 in Idaho, including similar protests in Coeur d’Alene and Bonners Ferry, and about 3,300 nationally.

Each protest has attracted an increasing number of participants, with all ages and political viewpoints represented, albeit with a larger percentage of independent and progressive voters, Renner said.

“Most feel like their government has been hijacked from them, that their voice hasn’t been heard,” he said.

Many are frustrated by the decision to go to war in Iran and are worried about what it means for loved ones in the military as well as for the country, Renner said.

“They’re sick of war, and that, I think, crosses political boundaries for quite a lot of people in this area,” he added. “We have a lot of conservatives and progressives and all in between who don’t want to see people being killed and feel like they just don’t have a choice in what’s going on, and they need to say something or cry.”

Many at the protest said they felt frustrated by decisions since President Donald Trump took office and feel like their concerns are being ignored and that divisiveness is increasing, harming democracy.

The signs reflected the concerns: “America, wake up. This is not normal;” “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power;” “Defend and protect our Constitution;” “No kings since 1776;” and “Peace, not war.”

The largely peaceful protest saw everyone from teens and other first-time demonstrators to longtime activists. Many were motivated by everything from immigration, voting rights and public lands to human rights, war and a desire for political change.

“People are worried about a lot of things,” Renner said. “People are worried about price increases, ICE operations and governmental overreach. People are worried about their ability to vote. It just seems like every day there’s something else that’s crazy.”

The reaction of passersby was mostly positive, with honks and waves in the majority. Renner said there were a few instances of people flipping the crowd off or coal rolling — the practice of sending out a thick cloud of exhaust. The latter was quickly dealt with by local police keeping an eye on things, and the former, Renner said, he didn’t mind.

“They’re expressing their opinion,” he added.

If he could, Renner said, he would tell them that rallies such as the “No Kings” protest are an invaluable form of expression, whether you agree with what those protesting are saying or not.

“These rallies are a community expression of what’s going on and not a personal indictment of what they are or what our opposition might feel,” he added. “Maybe I’m pissed off and have those feelings, but it’s more about that I just want to be seen and safe, and I want everyone in my community, regardless of their views, to be seen and safe.”

Renner and others at the protests said they hope it encourages residents to get out and vote, to run for office and to be a part of democracy.

“I want these events to show you can speak up, you can make a difference. You can write your congressman. You can show up at these meetings and express your concerns,” Renner said. “What are you doing about this? What can we do about that? … Just be involved.”

    A few of what organizers said was more than 1,000 people who turned out for Saturday's "No Kings" protest in Sandpoint.
  

    A few of what organizers said was more than 1,000 people who turned out for Saturday's "No Kings" protest in Sandpoint.
  

    A few of what organizers said was more than 1,000 people who turned out for Saturday's "No Kings" protest in Sandpoint.
  

    One of the signs seen at Saturday's "No Kings" protest.
  

    One of the signs seen at Saturday's "No Kings" protest.