About 350 Turn Out for Wilton’s First ‘No Kings’ Rally [PHOTOS]

An estimated 300 people lined the sidewalk in front of Wilton High School on Saturday morning, Mar. 28 for what organizers described as a peaceful, nonviolent “No Kings” rally.

In was the first time protesters held a rally in Wilton as part of the nation-wide movement that has organized against what the No Kings’ website calls President Donald Trump “authoritarian actions.” Media estimates have put attendance across the country at 8 million people who participated in 3,300 similar events.

Participants lined Danbury Rd. for about an hour on Saturday morning, stretching from the high school’s north entrance near the Clune Auditorium, southward past the Catalpa Rd. intersection and continuing even a bit further down toward the tennis courts. Many held handmade signs as passing cars honked in support throughout the event.

The gathering was described by organizers as a “dance line,” which included music playing through speakers, and was meant to project an air of what they called “fun resistance,” with some attendees even wearing costumes.

Attendees emphasized that the rally was intended as a positive, nonviolent show of civic engagement. For many who turned out, however, it was significant that it was happening in Wilton.

“I’m proud of our town,” resident Jennifer Kepner said. “It gives me hope that there are people who feel the same way… who want to restore the values that we all hold so dear.”

Others said they were surprised — and encouraged — by the turnout.

“I grew up in Wilton, and I figured there’d be five people here,” resident Laura Ploss said. “This is just so great… it warms my heart.”

Peaceful, community-focused event

Families with young children were among those participating, some holding signs or wearing costumes. One parent said it was important to demonstrate how to engage constructively.

“We only want to project good things,” said Sarah Alexander, who brought her family to Wilton’s event from Norwalk, and said she was showing her 5- and 9-year-old children that “when people come together, peacefully that we can make an impact in the community.”

“Yes, we’re showing up to say that we don’t like something, but in a peaceful way and in a kind way,” she added.

Music — including Bob Dylan’s anti-war songs and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” — played throughout the event, adding to what several attendees described as an upbeat atmosphere that attracted what was seemingly a lot of support from people driving by with persistent honking. At one point, even an ambulance passing by honked and the occupants waved.

Visibility is Important

Several participants described the rally as both a protest and an opportunity to bring people together.

“It’s a real community builder,” said State Rep. Lucy Dathan (D—Norwalk/New Canaan), who is running for State Senator to represent Wilton. “When we are out here together, we are showing that love trumps hate, and that’s what Wilton is all about.”

Attendees included longtime residents, newcomers and some who said it was their first time participating in a rally.

“To feel so strongly about something… you’ve got to be part of the solution,” resident Connie Sinnaeve said.

Others noted the importance of visibility in a smaller community.

“It’s important for people driving by… to know that people in Wilton are paying attention,” resident Julie Corbett said.

First Rally Draws Strong Turnout

Organizers had expected roughly 150 attendees based on signups, but turnout exceeded those expectations by at least double.

Participants said the crowd size — along with steady support from passing drivers — was encouraging.

“It makes you hopeful,” Sinnaeve said. “Just coming out and seeing the throngs of people… makes you feel like we can still make good happen.”

For some, the moment felt notable simply because it happened locally.

“I’m very proud of our town, very, very proud. It’s a great day to be a Wiltonian,” resident Maxine Berg said. “This is really very significant, a very significant turnout,” she said, adding, “We’re all on the right side of history.”