Protesters Gather in Colby part of Nationwide “No Kings Day” Rally
October 18, 2025
Waving flags and homemade signs along Range Avenue in front of St. Thomas’ Historic Residence, more than 60 protesters gathered Saturday, October 18, as part of a nationwide demonstration known as “No Kings Day.”
The event, one of several organized across the country, was part of a growing grassroots movement protesting what participants describe as authoritarian policies under President Donald Trump. But while the national theme tied closely to concerns about threats to democracy, local organizer and former educator Connie Davis said each protester came with their own reason for standing along the busy Colby street.
“Even though the theme of the national No Kings Rally was to protest the authoritarian policies of Donald Trump, each person there was able to choose issues that were hurting them the most these days,” Davis said. “The teachers were protesting cuts to special education and Head Start. Older protesters were concerned for their Social Security and Medicaid, but they were also old enough to realize connections to historical dictators like Hitler.”
The Colby event marked the second “No Kings” protest this year, following a smaller rally in June. According to Davis, between 60 and 70 people attended Saturday’s gathering, with sign-in sheets showing participants from 11 counties and four states—including Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington.
“Many drove in from northwest counties in Kansas to the nearest protest in Colby,” Davis said. “One couple from Seattle, Washington, found the No Kings protest sites online and stopped in Colby to protest.”
The atmosphere along Range Avenue was described as cheerful, patriotic, and peaceful. Participants carried American flags, chanted “No Kings,” and applauded when passing vehicles honked or flashed a thumbs-up. “One woman passed out red valentines on sticks,” Davis recalled, “and many people held American flags as one said, ‘We protesters love our flag, too!’”
Davis said the group laughed when a passing driver shouted “Trump is king,” and noted that while the event drew attention, there was no counter-protest this time.
Local law enforcement was informed in advance of the protest, and an officer briefly blocked traffic during setup so organizers could safely unload signs, chairs, and supplies. “Everyone was convivial, networking, discussing issues, and seemed sincerely using their right to peacefully protest,” Davis said.
Protesters voiced a range of frustrations—concerns over government corruption, fears about proposed immigration detention centers, and worries about the erosion of social programs and democratic norms. Some said they felt labeled as “un-American” for dissenting, but Davis emphasized that the group’s spirit remained patriotic and optimistic.
“The big joke was that the president thinks the protesters were getting paid,” she said. “We weren’t. We just care deeply about our country and its future.”
As the rally concluded, participants shared contact information, took photos, and discussed plans for future gatherings. Davis said the day reflected the community’s broader desire to be heard and to stand up for their beliefs.
“It was larger than the first one, but more important than the numbers was the diversity of the people who showed up,” Davis said. “We came together from across counties and even states to remind each other that democracy depends on ordinary people speaking up.”