Nearly 2,000 rally in Glenwood Springs to push back against Project 2025

Nearly 2,000 people filled Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs on Saturday in a powerful show of local resistance to Project 2025 and other far-right policies, joining millions across the country for a national “Hands Off!” day of action.

The Glenwood Springs rally, organized by Mountain Action Indivisible, was one of more than 1,200 events held in all 50 states. Organizers estimate over 5.2 million people took part nationwide.

“We had about 400 people pre-registered,” local organizer Debbie Bruell said. “But most people just showed up. By the time we counted it out, it was closer to 2,000. It really shows how eager people are to express their outrage and hope.”

In Glenwood, protestors stretched across the western half of Sayre Park, waving handmade signs and lining Grand Avenue with messages like “Silence is complicity,” “Hands off due process,” and “Democracy dies in silence. Make some noise!” Drivers honked and waved in steady support throughout the afternoon.

“We’re not waiting for a superhero to save us,” Bruell said. “It’s everyday people like us, showing up in moments like this, that will stop the authoritarian takeover we’re witnessing. That’s why our theme was ‘Activism is our superpower.'”

She also delivered a direct message to the crowd.

“We’re here to demand a stop to the Trump-Musk regime’s assault on our freedoms,” she said. “We’re here to demand a stop to their looting of our social programs for the benefit of their billionaire backers, and we’re here to demand a stop to their constant scapegoating of immigrants and trans people in their attempt to divide and conquer us.”

Speakers from around the region took the stage, offering emotional and personal testimonies about what’s at stake.

Former Garfield County Library trustee Jocelyn Durrance warned of political interference at local libraries. Glenwood Springs Middle School science teacher and 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year Autumn Rivera urged the crowd to embrace inclusive education.

“Education is better when we celebrate diversity,” Rivera said.

She then handed the microphone to her student, Jude Greener, who spoke about his cousin Claire, a third grader with Down Syndrome.

“She’s smart and funny,” Greener said. “If they cut the Department of Education, it could hurt kids like her.”

She was honored at the end of the rally with Mountain Action Indivisible’s “Everyday Superhero” award — a moment that brought cheers and a few tears from the crowd.

“Many people think rural communities don’t organize like big cities do,” Rivera said. “But Saturday showed just the opposite. This valley is full of people who care — and who are willing to stand up together.”

The crowd, a mix of ages and backgrounds, included students, educators, activists, retirees, and even a few political figures from across the aisle.

Former Republican state house candidate Caleb Waller said he attended not to protest but to stand alongside his neighbors.

“I see people here I know — business owners, election judges — these are good people,” Waller said. “We may not agree on everything, but we all care about our community.”

He said growing division in the country is worrying.

“It’s not OK that we’ve started shopping at stores based on political beliefs,” he said. “We’re all in this together. The real choice is whether we divide ourselves into sides or do the hard thing — recognize that good Republicans and good Democrats both love this country.”

The event’s visual centerpiece was a red, white and blue superhero photo booth, where attendees posed in capes and masks, reinforcing the rally’s call to action. One woman wore a denim jacket painted with the phrase “HANDS OFF WHAT? YOU NAME IT …” with others writing in words like “Books,” “Our allies,” and “The press” in black marker.

Rally-goer Jane Huyser said the energy was unlike anything she’d felt in a long time.

“So much joy, kindness, laughter, hope and creativity,” she said. “The positivity was a joy to behold.”

Bruell said the crowd far exceeded expectations.

Steering committee members Jess Richardson and Lori Brandon helped coordinate the event. Brandon said the creative signs and peaceful tone reflected the spirit of the community.

“People were passionate, joyful and peaceful,” she said. “We are building a movement.”

Bruell said the rally was proof that a broad cross-section of the Roaring Fork Valley is ready to push back — and move forward.

“We’ve organized a few events now, and every single time we’re blown away by the response,” she said. “There are so many people out there who share these values. Saturday gave us all hope.”