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Hundreds protested on Trade Steet Saturday at the “Save Our Democracy” rally. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Cher Brown)

Protestors brandished signs and voiced concerns over perceived threats to democracy. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Cher Brown)

Hundreds protested on Trade Steet Saturday at the “Save Our Democracy” rally. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Cher Brown)

Protestors brandished signs and voiced concerns over perceived threats to democracy. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Cher Brown)

Hundreds protested on Trade Steet Saturday at the “Save Our Democracy” rally. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Cher Brown)

“Save Our Democracy” draws hundreds to Trade Street 

TRYON—On Saturday, March 8, over 300 individuals exercised their constitutional right to peaceful protest in downtown Tryon, gathering at Nina Simone Plaza and Tryon Plaza for the “Save Our Democracy” rally. 

Brandishing signs, participants united to voice their concerns over perceived threats to democracy and advocate for critical social issues. Protesters spoke out against what they described as reckless attacks on democratic institutions and values over the past six weeks. 

“We wanted to do a rally and bring people together that were in unison that the actions of the current administration was not democracy,” said organizer Janet Orselli of Columbus. 

Organizers held a pre-rally sign-making event at the Democratic Headquarters in Columbus on March 7, allowing individuals to come together and express their frustrations creatively beforehand.

“I’d participated in rallies in Hendersonville and Rutherfordton and felt like it was important to do the same here in Polk County,” Orselli added. “We are not paid protestors; we are Americans who feel the current administration is not acting in the best interest of our country and its citizens.” 

Margaret Curtis from Tryon echoed Orselli’s sentiments. 

“We believe Trump and Musk are usurping power that belongs to Congress. We wanted to come together to show that not only are we not okay with it, but we’re also not going to take it,” she said.

At the rally, organizers emphasized the necessity of collective action to safeguard democracy. 

“If we don’t speak up, many people won’t know what is happening, said David Riddle of Saluda. “Every voice matters, and we are seeing stuff being done without congressional approval that we believe violates the separation of powers and the Constitution.”

Signs in support of Ukraine were prominent, protesting the Trump administration’s abrupt change of course internationally. The protest also spotlighted local issues, such as the ongoing lawsuit by Republican Jefferson Griffin, which has prevented Democrat Allison Riggs from being certified as a winner in the North Carolina Supreme Court election. Griffin challenged the election results after a required recount showed that Riggs defeated him by 734 votes in the 2024 election, and the state supreme court issued a stay.

The rally also coincided with International Women’s Day, recognizing the struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. Many protestors raised critical issues related to reproductive rights and violence against women. 

Several protestors reflected on the day’s emotional impact, noting that the rally ignited a sense of hope and an understanding that real change is possible. This sentiment echoed throughout the crowd. 

“We’re not alone; we’re in this together,” one participant stated.

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