Leavenworth residents join nationwide “May Day Strong” protest

LEAVENWORTH – Upper valley residents gathered in front of Leavenworth City Hall on May 1 to participate in a “May Day Strong” protest, joining over 800 cities and towns in the nationwide movement.

The protest took place on May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, to protest the Trump Administration’s actions and billionaires’ “war on working people.” The movement called for rescinding presidential emergency declarations and immunities for official acts, enforcement of checks and balances, funding for public education and social support programs, and protections for immigrants and the working class.

“It feels mobilizing to be attached to a greater good with like minded people…And it gives us a sense of hope and gratitude that we're all in this together,” said co-organizer Judy Derpack. “I could get very full of angst and emotion, but this type of thing puts me in action, and it calms me down knowing that people care.”

The Leavenworth rally drew an estimated 100 protestors along US-2. Kirstie Miethe of Leavenworth Art Haus brought art supplies to keep kids entertained as their parents protested. For Miethe, making participation easier for families meant more voices could be heard.

“I want something great for these guys as they grow up. And right now, it's kind of scary thinking about my kiddos’ future,” said Miethe.

The event was visited by Washington State Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins, who stopped by multiple protests during a trip from Colville to Tacoma.

“Every place I [have] stopped, the protests have been bigger,” said Jinkins. “The ability for people to stand up everywhere in the state and send messages to their members of Congress and to each other is the thing that will save us.”

The gathering was a continuation of protests held in both Leavenworth and Wenatchee, including the nationally organized Presidents Day protest in February, and the “Hands Off” protest on April 5. 

Both the “Hands Off” and “May Day Strong” protests in Leavenworth were organized by the grassroots group NCW United. The group includes approximately 1,000 members in its Facebook group, but the amount of people helping to organize events is around 20, said Derpack.

“We're just a ragtag grandma team. I mean, it's not like some big network of people,” said Derpack.

The group plans to protest every Sunday, and will organize larger protests in alignment with 50501, a national protest movement formed “in response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.”

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media