15 Oct No Kings: A Joyful Protest for Democracy — Saturday, October 18th
Join us as we stand up for democracy, equality, and the freedom to read at the No Kings: Joyful Protest for Democracy, hosted by the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee and community partners.
This joyful, peaceful protest affirms our shared belief that power belongs to the people—not kings. We’ll gather with signs, music, and purpose to celebrate our democracy and those who defend it.
🗓 Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time:
- 12:00 PM — Protest begins at Route 6 & North Street
- 1:30 PM — March to Shipyard Park
- 1:45 PM — Speaking program begins
- 3:00 PM — Closing remarks
Location: Start at the corner of Route 6 and North Street, Mattapoisett
Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/848604/
🎤 Speakers
- Bryan Winter — Iraqi War Veteran & MA 50501 Veteran Representative
- Andy Pollock — President, South Coast LGBTQ+ Network
- Michelle Cusolito — Author & Member, MA Freedom to Read Coalition
🎶 A Joyful Protest
We’ll have live music, community spirit, and creativity throughout the day. Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy as we celebrate democracy together!
🧭 Safety & Logistics
Crosswalks: Please only cross Route 6 using the crossing lights. The Mattapoisett Police Department has asked for our cooperation in keeping crossings orderly to minimize traffic backup. Thank you for helping us keep this event safe and peaceful.
Parking:
- Limited parking at the Land Trust property (NE corner of Route 6 & North Street)
- Public parking behind the Post Office (SW corner)
- On-street parking south of Route 6 between North and Main Streets
- Center School (Barstow Street) and tennis courts parking available
- Additional parking at Town Beach and the Wharf, a short walk to the start
Accessibility & Restrooms:
- Public restrooms at the Wharf (and possibly porta-potties)
- Please do not use the Inn’s bathrooms unless you are a patron — but plan to join us afterward for celebratory cocktails, mocktails, and food at The Inn on Shipyard Park, one of Mattapoisett’s most supportive local establishments
Mobile Device Security:
To help protect your privacy and personal data:
- Disable biometric unlocks (Face ID, fingerprints, etc.) and use a strong passcode instead.
- Consider leaving your phone at home if you don’t need it.
- If you prefer to stay connected, use a burner or secondary device, or turn your phone off during the event.
- For additional security, you can use a Faraday bag to block signals and protect against digital tracking.
Personal Safety:
- Travel with a friend or small group whenever possible.
- Make a plan for how you’ll get to and from the event safely.
- Tell friends or family where you’ll be and when, so someone knows your plans.
- Follow the guidance of our Safety Marshals, who will be wearing safety vests and will be clearly visible throughout the event. They’re there to help keep everyone safe and informed.
🎨 Protest Art & Downloads
Local artist Karen Hallion has generously created No Kings protest art available for free digital download:
👉 Download free art via Patreon
The No Kings organizing team has created a library of multiple digital resources
👉 Access additional No Kings downloads
Looking for some great ideas for text to add to signs take a look at the Substack by Antonia Scatton with suggestions.
👉 The Big List of Protest Signs for #NoKings 10/18
Print, share, and post your signs—let’s fill our community and our social media feeds with messages of democracy and freedom. When others see their friends and neighbors participating, they’ll be inspired to join too!
🕊 Hosted by
Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee · Fairhaven Democratic Town Committee · Rochester Democratic Town Committee · 50501 · Indivisible Southcoast · Massachusetts Freedom to Read Coalition · South Coast LGBTQ+ Network
💬 Closing Reflection
The No Kings Rally is more than a single event—it’s part of a growing movement to stand up for truth, freedom, and equality at a time when those values are being tested. Our democracy depends on active participation, courage, and connection.
Join us. Bring a friend. Be part of something bigger than any one person.
Together, we remind the world that power belongs to the people—always.
#NoKings #ProtectDemocracy #FreedomToRead #MattapoisettDems #CommunityAction