This Saturday, Mar. 28 at 10-11 a.m., the sidewalks in front of Wilton High School could be crowded — but not with the usual students, tennis players or joggers you might expect to see.
Instead, supporters of the ‘No Kings’ movement will gather there, participating in a nationwide protest in opposition to authoritarianism in the United States.
While Saturday will be the third nationwide day of ‘No Kings’ protest, following earlier events in June and October 2025, it will be the first time a rally will be held in Wilton. ‘No Kings 3’ events are also scheduled in Norwalk, Westport, Ridgefield, Stamford, Greenwich, Fairfield and dozens more locations throughout Connecticut — and thousands across the country.
The Wilton event is billed as a “line dance” with music and protestors forming a “human chain” on the sidewalk. Saying they’ll be promoting that “resistance can be fun,” organizers are encouraging signs and costumes at the event, as well as decorated cars for drive-by support.
Celeste Cobb, founder of the Redding-based activist group REBs and one of the organizers of the Wilton event, said the goal for Saturday’s demonstration is to “bring visibility and credibility [to] the resistance” and hopes the atmosphere will feel welcoming, not off-putting, to any newcomers.
“It’s nice to give people the opportunity to just let their voice be heard, in a visible way,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be serious and gloomy — we’ve got to have a little joy in our lives.”
Despite the emphasis on ‘fun,’ Cobb stressed that the action in Wilton is part of a much larger, more serious national effort to grow the movement.
“We’re trying to get to 11 million [people]. That 3.5% of the voting population is a significant statement for our country,” she said, referring to the threshold seen as sizable enough to effect political change.
Cobb said an aide in U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) office has confirmed his plans to attend Wilton’s event. More locally, the Wilton Democratic Town Committee (WDTC) is also supporting the event.
“People in Wilton and across the country are deeply concerned about the direction of our country under Donald Trump,” DTC Chair Tom Dubin wrote in a statement sent to GMW. “Peaceful rallies remind everyone that Donald Trump’s actions are neither normal nor acceptable, but most important they remind everyone that he is pursuing his malevolent policies with a lawless, autocratic thirst that is contrary to our Constitution and national ideals. The United States of America was founded in opposition to a monarch, and we still say ‘No Kings’.”
Refraining from partisanship, the recently-installed new Republican Town Committee Chair Andy Warren said the ‘No Kings’ gathering is a sign of a strong democracy.
“We may not all agree on every issue, but the right to peacefully assemble and speak out is fundamental,” Warren wrote in response to questions from GMW.
“It’s encouraging to see people engaged and participating in civic life. In communities like Wilton, respectful dialogue and involvement are what keep our democracy strong,” Warren emphasized.
Public Safety
In promoting the event, organizers are explicitly urging peaceful, non-confrontational behavior among participants:
“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.“
Wilton Police Department Deputy Chief Rob Cipolla said his department is aware of the event and in communication with organizers.
“There was a similar demonstration at the same location and it went off without incident,” Cipolla said, referring to a ”dry run” of the event on Mar. 14 which drew about 30 protestors. “As we did with the prior demonstration, we will coordinate with organizers. We appreciate the collaboration in planning.”
Cipolla said WPD’s role is “neutral” and focused on ensuring lawfulness and safety.
“Our role is to protect everyone’s rights and everyone’s safety,” Cipolla explained. “We’re here to safeguard the public’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views, while also maintaining public order and protecting life and property.”
“Officers will maintain a neutral, professional presence, working to facilitate lawful protest activity, and at the same time ready to address any genuine threats, criminal acts, or risks to public safety,” he said.
Cipolla’s advice to participants and passers-by is simple: “We ask everyone to remain calm, respectful and lawful. For those traveling in the area, please slow down and stay alert.”
Signups for the event are encouraged, but not required.
Calling this a “protest” puts a negative meaning to the event, which in this day and age we don’t need. Its a “rally” or “march” to show awareness for a group of peoples views. I am not against or support this, but this is a way to make people aware for a groups viewpoint. So calling it a “protest” is inaccurate, thanks
Thanks John. The national organization behind the event uses ‘protest’ and ‘non-violent protest’ in their materials, and the local organizers have used the word ‘protest’ with us as well in correspondence. I think a protest can be many things and take different forms. Hopefully this one will be as ‘joyful’ as one of the organizers told us she hoped it would be!