Photo by Deb Gau A poster at Saturday’s “No Kings” rally in Marshall called for members of Congress to get back to work. Participants in the event said they were standing against authoritarian government in the U.S.

MARSHALL — A crowd of about 300 people gathered in downtown Marshall on Saturday as “No Kings” demonstrations were held in communities around Minnesota.

Protesters held handmade signs as they lined the sidewalk in front of Memorial Park on Main Street.

Speakers at the event spoke out against authoritarianism in the U.S., local organizers said.

“We’re standing up for our Constitution and rule of law. We are standing up for all of us,” speaker Kristi Blomme told the crowd. “We stand united against authoritarianism. No thrones, no crowns, no kings.”

The crowd at Saturday’s “No Kings” event stretched out along a block of Main Street, from the closed intersection of Main and West College Drive, toward the corner of Main and First Street. Many people wore yellow, a color that organizers said represented unity. Local volunteers handed out colorful cardboard crowns and American flags to people arriving at the protest.

Blomme explained that the U.S. flags were “To show that we are not terrorists, and we love our country and our Constitution.” Speakers also thanked local police for their service.

Speakers at emphasized the importance of Americans standing up to protect their constitutional rights. Sue Morton read the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, before talking about the importance of the First Amendment.

“There are five freedoms that are protected in that first amendment: (freedom of) speech, religion, freedom of the press, assembly and the right to petition your government,” Morton said. “The First Amendment is neither left wing nor right wing. It can be used to push for social and political change, or to oppose change. The First Amendment is for everyone.”

Through signs and chants, people attending the rally also called attention to topics ranging from cuts to assistance programs like Medicaid and SNAP, to the need for due process for all people. Many sign slogans criticized President Donald Trump and his administration.

Blomme said it was positive to see the estimated crowd of 300 people.

“I think it’s fabulous that people are willing to stand up for democracy,” she said. “I think people are realizing they’re not alone, and it’s OK to stand up.”

Elsewhere in southwest Minnesota, about 20 people showed up at a “No Kings” event in Hendricks.

Over 300 protesters attended the “No Kings” rally in New Ulm. The rally began in German Park Saturday with direction from organizers. Indivisible New Ulm chapter founder Garret Ebling said the main goal of New Ulm’s rally was to show solidarity.

It is estimated that 7 million people participated in No King rallies nationwide, according to Associated Press reports.