Submitted by Hannah Petrich
More than 100 Upper Valley residents gathered downtown on Saturday for the community’s second “No Kings” Rally, joining a nationwide day of demonstrations that drew more than 7 million participants across the country.
Held at the intersection of the Talkeetna Spur and the Parks Highway, the demonstration brought together 112 attendees, including participants from Cantwell and Willow. Ages at Saturday’s event ranged from four weeks old to over 90 years old, representing every generation in the community.
The “No Kings” movement is based on government accountability, protection of democratic values, and the rejection of authoritarianism. This was Talkeetna’s second time participating in a No Kings Day rally in 2025, following the first wave of nationwide demonstrations in June.
Across Alaska and the nation, participants expressed concern over immigration enforcement tactics by ICE, the expansion of presidential powers, cuts to federal programs, threats to civil rights, and attacks on democratic institutions.
Attendees shared coffee, orange juice, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and cookies, provided by local volunteers. In addition to raising their voices, participants were invited to bring spare warm clothes and boots for those in need. Donations are being delivered to community members in Palmer and Anchorage on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
The event was organized by the Talkeetna Action Group, a local group formed around the principle of keeping the community informed and engaged on local, statewide, and national issues.
