You may not find this terribly rewarding unless you're included here, so this is a good time for casual and random browsers to turn back before they get too caught up in the sweep and majesty of the proceedings and can't let go.
We've walked 15 minutes out to Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park for the third No Kings protest demonstration -- a bit late, as it happens: a citizens' parade marched out from the county courthouse a bit earlier (passing under our condo window), so we've scurried along behind.
The speakers' platform this time is the 'Stonewall Brigade Bandstand', home of the Stonewall Brigade Band -- 'the oldest continuous community-supported band among over 2,000 community bands in the nation'.
Founded in 1855, during the Civil War the band served under Stonewall Jackson's brigade in the Army of the Shenandoah and by 1875 had acquired its present name. It soon became famous and, amongst other things, played for a number of US presidents and in their inaugural parades. The present bandstand, replacing earlier ones beginning in 1889, was built by volunteers in 1976, and the band continues to offer a free 'Summer Concert Series' as well as performing for special functions.
The speakers include local officials and spokespeople from various organizations, as well some singers and local bands, and then whomever else wishes to stand up and express their own opinions.
The local newspaper, the News Leader, estimated the crowd of participants at 700, though we noticed that there were people coming and going throughout the 90 minutes that we were there.
The lady in the green beret just right of centre is our friend Margaret (we don't actually know anyone else here (our bad)).
Some organizations have set up promotional and sign-up facilities.
All of the opinions and earnest supplications throughout the proceedings echoed what probably all of us who follow the news already agree with, just as earnestly, but the overall effect is one of camaraderie, encouragement, and perhaps a certain amount of hopefulness.
And, of course, many of the signs were hilarious.
Hilarious signs from the 18 October No Kings show in Staunton can be seen here.
The 'Vote Yes, Virginia' signs refer to a referendum set for 21 April that will determine if our new Dem. Gov. Abigail Spanberger will be able to lead gerrymandering to counter the Pugs' sleazy redistricting tricks.
Not the best photo angle for capturing all the hilarious signs, but one mustn't muscle in through the crowds.
That one's worth a photo, certainly.
And these
The sign on the left is apparently speaking for the little dog with its own signs.
We're scoping out the crowd densities round the peripheries as well.
As at most fine demonstrations these days, here are some of the balloon people.
My first prize for this demonstration
The 'Queen City' is Staunton's nickname, for complicated historical reasons.
Child molesters, now; more than likely, but not 'alleged'?
The little drone is taking a rest just behind the crowds.
'Grab Him By The Ballot'
In a democracy, it's always good to get the young folks started early.
Inspiring scenes
Kristin and our friend Margaret taking a break
The Grand Old Flag flies proudly.
There are several of them here, in fact. Why not?
Uh oh, another king
Inspired
This brilliant little girl delivered a sustained and heartfelt speech about what's at stake with the MAGA Trumpistas, especially for our children and grandchildren, and . . .
. . . paused only twice to recall a good word she'd presumably memorized. A stunning performance, in fact, which . . .
. . . earned a standing ovation from the participants (as many as could stand) and prolonged applause.
Even the older folks on the park benches were more enthusiastic than they may look here.
Trumpist Goons and Freaks have an enormous number of horrible things to be accountable for, of course, and this lady has included many of them.
Very creative
'No Troops; No ICE Raids; Due Process. The Constitution is CLEAR.'
It's encouraging, after all, to see people walking round with a big American flag. One can hope that its symbolism can survive the current era (especially given some of the earlier eras).
A politically appropriate musical interlude
The military vets came prepared.
A rogue balloon person experiencing some kind of emergency? Good luck, bro!
A pretty subtle police presence and very well done. There were no untoward incidents of any kind.
Unlike at our first demonstration, the 'Hands Off' protest on 5 April at the county courthouse, where the police had little presence and Creeps from out in rural county were doing some black-smoking pick-up truck drive-bys of the participants. They've been much more helpful since that time.
Trump's jail cell (speaking of 'hopeful')
'Veto the Cheeto'
All true
'This is the government the Founders warned us about'
An information table apparently from a gay rights organization
-- Line up over here, guys. And smile.
Not to put too fine a point on it.
Several personal stories of trump-induced losses
More and more calls from local activist organizations for widespread cooperation
Excellent signs, and interesting green ear-hats
As of this writing, there are now TWO cross-through Losers.
Another appropriate country song for the occasion
The Tambourine Frog
Worth repeating
That appears to be the Statue of Liberty.
That may not always be true, but it's worth bringing up now.
Everybody's favorite mockable-face
A little earlier, when one excited speaker uttered the magic F** word, an emcee came on after and politely reminded everyone that participants had been asked not to do that.
But this gentleman is not actually one of the speakers.
An informal prize for the most personalized sign must go to Margaret.
We're headed back home now. That was fun.
Next up: Further dispatches are awaited.
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All rights reserved, all wrongs avenged. Posted 12 April 2026.
