STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Don Haisley’s forefathers fought in the American Revolution. And he honored their memory Saturday morning by joining hundreds of other Wood River Valley residents rallying to preserve the democracy that his ancestors fought for.

Haisley waved a sign that said “A Family Tradition since 1776—No Kings.”

“I’m a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. I can trace patriots in my family back to the Revolution. And I think they would be appalled by what’s going on today,” he said. “What’s happening in today’s government runs counter to almost everything that’s written in the Declaration of Independence.”

Melinda Springs and Patti Haynes were among more than 900 people who showed up at the rally, according to counts taken by two counters.

A myriad of rallygoers, thinking like Haisley, waved signs saying “Rejecting Kings Since 1776.”

Other signs said: We are the guardrails. I’m for a Department of Peace. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. Dictator or Democracy: That’s the Choice. Release the Epstein files.

“I can’t believe I had to pause my elk hunt to protect the constitution,” said one young man’s sign.

Many of those taking part in Saturday’s rally in Hailey had gathered for an earlier No Kings Rally in June. A lot has happened since then, including the deployment of American soldiers to American cities, curtailment of free speech and President Trump’s orders to Attorney General Pam Bondi to go after those he considers his enemies.

Heather Johnston dressed in a Hand Maid costume as she took part in the rally.

Diane Walker said she was taking part in her first protest.

“I’m here because you must,” she added. “If you sit on the couch, you ‘ve got no right to complain. The future of our country is at stake. United States? It doesn’t feel like it. These are troubled times. And to be part of a peaceful protest when there is so much hatred going on in this country is the right thing to do.”

Wendy Minervini and Krista Simor handed out pocket-sized Constitutions. Muffy Ritz waved a bright orange sign that said “King are Bad. Queens are Fabulous” while her friend Glo Kimball waved a sign that said, “Girls just wanna have FUN-damental human rights.”

John Gimant pointed to his sign that said, “Diversity. Equity and Inclusion: What makes us great.”

A handful of unicorns took part in Saturday’s rally.

“That’s not what they’re telling us,” he said.

Maritt Wolfrom displayed a sign full of artistry: “I’m a U.S. history teacher and it makes me sad to see what’s happening to our country and Constitution. I want my kids to know I care about our country, that I care about the Constitution.”

Heather Johnston dressed in the Hand Maid costume she got nine years ago signifying her feeling we’re living in a dystopian society.

“Someday I hope to put it away for good,” she said as she waved a sign saying “I March 4 immigrants, women, workers, the planet and Republicans, too.”

Maritt Wolfrom’s sign said, “Help, I’m being repressed. Come see the violence inherent in the system.”

“Today we’re here for Americans,” she added. “All Americans.”